Worship Arts Notes ♫♫

To Philip Bliss, the song, “Wonderful Words Of Life,” did not seem special. Bliss had written many songs but never thought this composition “possessed much merit.” He never told anyone about it. He carried it around for more than two years.

Then, during a camp meeting, he decided to introduce this long-ignored song. To his surprise, the response was enthusiastic. He had been wrong and discovered that people were moved by the mighty truths it expressed.

This song, “Wonderful Words of Life,” described the awesome power of God’s Word. Bliss wrote, “Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life.” His prayer was that he would see more of their beauty. He realized how these words “teach me faith and duty.” They were given to all of us by Jesus who offers “pardon and peace to all.”

Bliss urged sinners to listen to “the loving call,” and realize that these words were “freely given,” that they lead to forgiveness but also an eternal reward in Heaven. His hymn echoes the conclusion drawn by believers through the centuries. These feelings were expressed by the psalmist who described how much he loved God’s Word and how wonderful it is.

Psalm 104:97-103

Oh, how I love your law!

    I meditate on it all day long.

98 Your commands are always with me

    and make me wiser than my enemies.

99 I have more insight than all my teachers,

    for I meditate on your statutes.

100 I have more understanding than the elders,

    for I obey your precepts.

101 I have kept my feet from every evil path

    so that I might obey your word.

102 I have not departed from your laws,

    for you yourself have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,

    sweeter than honey to my mouth!