Today, again, I was comparing Psalm 95 in my Modern English Version with my Passion translation. Sometimes they are pretty dissimilar, and there will be a footnote in the Passion translation that this was translated from the Aramaic, or some other explanation for the differences. Also sometimes, the Passion translation is much more down-to-earth and prosaic (for example, Psalm 95:10b where the MEV says, "He shall judge the peoples righteously" and TPT says, "for he treats everyone fair and square") and sometimes it is more poetic and flowery (like Psalm 95:6. The MEV says, "Honor and majesty are before Him" while TPT says, "Breathtaking brilliance and awe-inspiring majesty radiate from his shining presence.")
I like that the MEV capitalizes every pronoun relating to God; it just seems more respectful (Him, instead of just him.)
What drew my attention today was the first part of verse 4: "For the Lord's greatness is beyond description, and he deserves all the praise that comes to him. He is our King-God, and it's right to be in holy awe of him."
And it reminded me of a song we used to sing, and I still play and sing all the time. If you look for it on YouTube, you will find it has been recorded by every artist, band, ensemble, and all their neighbours too. One has added a second verse, so that's the one I'll quote. The song is "You Are Beautiful Beyond Description" and this version is by the GTA Praise Band...
You are beautiful beyond description, too marvelous for words,
Too wonderful for comprehension, like nothing ever seen or heard.
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depths of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description, majesty enthroned above.
And I stand, I stand in awe of You. I stand, I stand in awe of You.
Holy God, to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You.
You are beautiful beyond description, yet God crushed You for my sin,
In agony and affliction, cut off that I might enter in.
Who can grasp such tender compassion? Who can fathom this mercy so free?
You are beautiful beyond description, Lamb of God who died for me.
I'm hoping that this will bring you to a bit of a pause in your day, where you will remember how beautiful our Lord is, beyond description. Be still and know, and be in awe.
I love the Passion translation as well and I turn to it often. When it says that it is right to be in holy awe of Him that is so true. The God who loves, forgive, heals and walks with us each and everyday is so worthy of all praise, honour and glory. Jesus paid an incredible price so that we can be free so it is only fitting to lift Him up and worship Him.
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