God in Three Words

(In case you're wondering, that is my dictionary - a brilliant old 1957 edition of Webster's dictionary - it has wonderful example sentences, and quaint illustrations. I feel privileged to own it, and could spend ages browsing through it. And another fact I can testify after the above photoshoot: it's heavy. Photo credits to my sister.)

I like words. I especially like searching for the definition of words and the story behind them. Sometimes there’s a funny story behind how a word came to be used, and sometimes looking at the root words leads to something amazing – then I have an ‘ahh’ moment, and suddenly decide everyone in the house should know about a particular word and why it’s so exciting. Now I’ve decided that I need to spout to more than just the people in my house! Actually I hope you find these words just as fascinating as I did. :)

Universe – ‘the totality of all things that exist; the cosmos; creation.’

Take a closer look at the word: uni-verse. Uni means one, and verse means word. So universe literally means one-word. The question is why and how does one-word relate to the ‘totally of all things that exist; the cosmos; creation’?

I actually heard a pastor bring this up once, and he pointed out that the definition linked back to the fact that God created the world and cosmos by speaking. Our universe was brought about by the one-word of God. Isn’t that amazing that the individual words of our language words speak of the Creator and His power?! 

Inspiration - ‘an inspiring influence; any stimulus to creative thought or action.’

Inspiration literally means to blow or breathe air into. But it’s made up of the words in and spirit, and was always known as a divine influence on humans. In other words, inspired meant the Holy Spirit was influencing thought and stimulating action. 

To me, this was a reminder of where true inspiration comes from. Why is it, that when I’m lacking inspiration I turn to things others have created, rather than seeking the Source of inspiration Himself? Of course, it is inspiring to see other’s skills and talents, but ultimately, they’re all from God. 

Enthusiasm - ‘intense or eager interest.’

But, it originally meant ‘supernatural inspiration or possession; inspired prophetic or poetic ecstasy.’ Enthusiasm comes from the Greek word entheos. En means in, and theos refers to God – literally possessed by God, or God is in them.

This word is similar to inspiration, but stronger, possessed by God. It’s amazing that He condescends to dwell in us, to own us, and claim us. I like the picture that brings up – God being in us, and our words and thoughts and actions become His words and thoughts and actions, as He changes our characters to become like His. 

Honestly, I think the world needs more enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is more than fleeting excitement, or a moment of happiness when everything seems bliss; enthusiasm is a state of being. It saddens me the amount of people who lack an ‘intense or eager interest’ for anything. Where is our passion? How come nothing deeply excites us, and gets our hearts burning? And what is existence without enthusiasm? Perhaps the answer comes back to the original meaning of enthusiasm: we’ve lost sight of God. When He’s no longer in us, we lose our relish for life. 

Each of these words point back to God. It’s God who created our universe, our world, and everything in it. It’s God who gives us inspiration, and enthusiasm for life. That’s one of the reasons why I like words, and searching out their meanings and root words – surprisingly often, it points back to God. It’s amazing how He upholds everything, even the very words we speak. 

So, what are some of your favourite words and why? Do you think the world needs more enthusiasm? What makes your heart burn? Did I miss something about the above three words? Let me know how you see things!