Soli Deo Gloria – To God Alone be the Glory

April 20, 2017

Soli Deo Gloria, S.D.G. written by Georg Friedrich Händel From haendel.it. Declared as Public Domain. Link is http://www.haendel.it/vita/operandi.htm

On many of Bach’s and some of Handel’s manuscripts are found the initials “S.D.G.”  These letters represent the Latin expression, Soli Deo Gloria, which translates as “Glory to God alone.”  To me, this is a most fitting gesture.  In their music I can often hear the voice of God, and I am moved to glorify Him for it.

I am by no means a Bach or a Handel, but my feelings on this subject are the same as theirs:

If any of my work is worth praising, let the praise go to God.  He is the one who made it possible.

Of course, I am far from perfect.  There are many whose talent and skill exceed mine.  And no matter how hard I try, I can never quite get all the notes or words to feel right.  But when I take credit for what God has given me, or use His gifts to seek my own glory, I lose His support.  And heaven knows, I need it.

So, if any of my work touches you, glory to God!  

And ponder this question: How can you glorify God through your own gifts?

“Soli Deo Gloria,” from a manuscript of Johann Sebastian Bach. Public Domain Image. http://marc5solas.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/bachsdg1.jpg. 4-17-2017