12 September, 2016

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!

28 comments:

  1. Loved reading this! Thoughtful words.
    I also love words!

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    1. Thanks Paige - praise God! And, it's always good to find someone else who likes words. :) Thanks for your comment!

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  2. I LOVE this, Jessica! Words are one of my favorite things, and I love how you compared these words to attributes of God! The world definitely does need more enthusiasm for the right things. Thanks so much for sharing! ♥
    (And BTW, your dictionary looks really awesome. ;)

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting! I'm glad you like words as well, and you're right - it's got to be enthusiasm for the right things.. Yes, I think my dictionary is pretty fabulous too - thanks. :)

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    1. Thank you! I'm glad you liked it - praise God. :)

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  4. I love this. Oh my dear this is great.

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    1. Thanks! I found it exciting too - our God is pretty incredible. xx

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  5. Wow, what a perspective! Thanks so much for sharing Jessica, I've really appreciated this. I enjoy finding out definitions of words as well, but this is something special. It really proves how when our words were created, that they were each designed really to uplift and praise God. Unfortunately, due to our sin-condition man has twisted these words. Thanks again for the enlightenment! Blessings! :)

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    1. Wow, thanks for your comment Grace! I'm glad this could be a blessing to you. :) Yes, it is amazing to think how God is revealed in every little detail - including the words we use. Blessings to you too, and thanks again for reading and sharing your thoughts. :)

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  6. I love how you love words so much. They are amazing. About the last one...I agree that the world needs more enthusiasm. Lately I've been feeling empty of enthusiasm. Well, not really empty of it, but like it's being sucked out of me. Because of school...I have passions for things, but school suffocates me and takes away the opportunity on work on them. I'm so glad this is my last year and can't wait to finish so that I can do the things that are important to me. Sigh, I've been a mess lately. :P

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    1. I know how you feel! I've been lacking enthusiasm too. But hang in there! I hope your last year of school goes quickly for you. ;) It's exciting that you're almost done.

      Thanks for reading and sharing; I always appreciate hearing from you, Maggie. :)

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  7. I love this post! I would never have thought about these words, but I'm so glad you've pointed it out! I love how even in little things like language, God reveals Himself to those who seek Him! And that definition of enthusiasm- that's totally what it should be for Christians!

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    1. Yes, the way God created everything to reveal a little bit more of Himself is incredible. Thanks Nina - both for reading and for leaving an encouraging comment! :) xx

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  8. My favorite book which I just recently purchased is a dictionary of music but I also love the normal dictionary and the thesaurus! Words are awesome. Most people laugh at me when I snatch a moment to read the dictionary or thesaurus but they have no idea what they are missing out on! I love the words 'faithful' and 'unconditional' :)

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    1. Ooh, that sounds like it would be good! I enjoying reading the dictionary or thesaurus too, so I agree with you - people don't know what they're missing out on. :) And I'm going to go and look up the origins of those words you mentioned - they are such powerful words. Thanks a lot for your comment!

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  9. That is one huge dictionary! :) "Reverie" is one of my favorite words -- I like the sound of the word, and how well it fits with the meaning, as well as the meaning itself, "a state of being pleasantly lost in one's thoughts".
    -Mary


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    1. It is! It's the biggest book I own, and I'm not sure if I've seen one bigger in real life or not. Yes, reverieis a good word. You're right, the sound of it fits so well with the definition.. Thanks so much for your comment. :)

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  10. I really enjoyed your explanation of the word universe. It is funny how you can use a word all your life and not realize what you are really saying. In a sense, every time an evolutionist uses the word "universe" they are speaking the truth in direct opposition to what they are purporting to be the truth. Such brilliant irony!

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    1. Praise God! Yes, I had no idea what universe was really saying, even though it's obvious in the root words. I like your point about evolutionists too - that is excellent irony! Thanks for reading, and leaving a comment! :)

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  11. I agree that the world needs more enthusiasm-- we're supposed to be doing a kickball game, taking up two hours of our class period tomorrow, but a lot of people are merely groaning at the fact. It's two hours of just having fun and actually getting to know people more, not two hours of complete utter dread in the sun.

    Also, "universe" = mind blown. I've never thought of the etymology of the word before. God did create everything by speaking, such as, "Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." I love the story about the creation, because at my church, whenever we attend the mass before Easter and they recite the story, they do end up accompanying this with words and bright music, and it's just beautiful. It's one of my favorite stories of that particular mass. <3

    xoxo Morning

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    1. Mmm, that's a good example of needing more enthusiasm. I like you positive take on the situation. :) I think a lot of things are worth being enthusiastic about, because if they're not enjoyable, they're still a learning experience..

      I know, isn't that word so fascinating?! The creation story is amazing too, yes - it sounds like your church do an interesting presentation of it! And, thanks heaps for your comment. :) xx

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  12. YES. I love this so much. I love how you used the word "universe." <3 <3 <3

    (and the pictures are gorgeous, as always)

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    1. Oh, thanks so much Katie! Praise God - all inspiration comes from Him after all. ;)

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  13. GAHHH THISSSS <33333 I, too, am blown away by how awesome words can be and so YES I AM FLAILING VERY LOUDLY OVER THIS POST. IT IS BEAUTIFUL. WOW. THESE WORDS. THEIR MEANINGS!! THEIR ORIGINAL DEFINITIONS?!?! LIKE....I WANT TO PRINT THIS WHOLE THING OUT AND JUST STUDY IT EVERY DAY <3

    ASDFGHJKL OMG BRILLIANT. :'''')
    also that dictionary is beautiful <3

    lotsalove,
    abbiee

    p.s. I WAS SO BUSY SCREAMING OVER THIS POST I ALMOST FORGOT but I wanted to thank you so much for reading my short story, Jessica. :''') Your comment brought a smile to my face and I so appreciate your kind words. <33333

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    1. Oh my, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and seriously, your comments are compliments in themselves. Yes, that was my reaction too; when I learned the definitions, I wanted to study them every day - while also finding new words, of course. :)

      You're very welcome, Abbiee. :) I enjoyed your story, and to be honest, it hasn't left my head since. Anyway, thanks for your comment, and have a brilliant day!

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  14. Oh Jessica!!! I know my comment is very late...I had your blog post sitting in my inbox for so long because I didn't know how to respond to such a lovely message. In the blogging world there are loads of good posts, but it is rare to find a gem of truth that makes your eyes widen as you stare at your computer screen. Just wow. This is so powerful.

    Universe?!? Seriously? Does God truly love us that much to create a word that points directly at the truth? *tears* This blew my mind away. I know what Uni and Verse means...but I never put them together. I don't even know what to say. Praise God!!

    This post goes to show that there is such richness just beyond the surface, waiting to be discovered. Thank you so very much for sharing. ♥

    //Hosanna

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    1. Hosanna! Wow, thank you for your kind and encouraging words! I'm so glad this could be a blessing to you - and all glory to God! And yes, that word blew me away too. It's amazing and fascinating how He weaves Himself into every part of His creation.. If only we could see it more!

      And don't worry, later comments make my day too. :)

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When you comment:

1. My day will be brighter, my face smiling, and my heart blessed.

2. I’m likely to immediately go and explore your blog (if you have one) to find out more of your amazingness, and return the blessing.

3. I will then attempt to craft a response to you that will somehow fail to convey how much I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness. I’m grateful for every word of encouragement you give, and don’t be afraid to share some constructive criticism also; there’s always more to learn. In short: thank-you! :)