I Will Extol Thee, O My God

“I Will Extol Thee, O My God” is a metrical hymn based directly on Psalm one hundred forty five, one of the great praise psalms attributed to King David. This psalm stands as a personal and communal declaration of lifelong devotion, in which the believer commits to praising God daily and without end. The hymn faithfully follows the structure and themes of the biblical text, translating Scripture into a form suitable for congregational singing while preserving its reverence, clarity, and theological depth.

The opening stanza establishes praise as a continual act of worship. The singer does not merely praise God occasionally, but vows to exalt Him every day and forever. This reflects the psalmist’s conviction that God’s kingship is eternal and His worthiness of praise never diminishes. The hymn then magnifies the greatness of the Lord, declaring that His majesty is beyond human measurement or full comprehension. This emphasis guards worship from becoming casual or shallow, reminding believers that God’s glory surpasses all created things.

A central theme of the hymn is the passing on of faith from one generation to the next. Praise is not meant to be private or isolated, but testified openly so that God’s mighty acts are remembered and proclaimed throughout history. The hymn highlights meditation on God’s glorious majesty as a deliberate act, calling believers to dwell thoughtfully on His works rather than rushing past them. Worship here is both joyful and reflective.

The final stanza turns attention to the character of God. His power is matched by His goodness, His righteousness by His mercy. The hymn rejoices in a God who is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abundant in steadfast love. This balance reflects the full biblical portrait of the Lord, mighty in deeds yet tender toward His people. As a hymn, “I Will Extol Thee, O My God” remains a strong expression of scriptural worship, forming the church to praise God with understanding, reverence, and enduring faith.