HyperCorrecting Marty Nystrom

hy•per•cor•rect [adj]: too greatly concerned about correctness – Encarta Dictionary

The Christian music labels of the 80’s and 90’s: Hillsong, Integrity! Hosanna! and Maranatha! are undoubtedly responsible for shaping today’s worship experience and have influenced – probably more than any single ministry – the spiritual life of millions of Believers around the world. It was rare in the 90’s to find any ‘Pentecostal’ who didn’t have one of those “ Maranatha!” cassettes; or a church worship session where Hosanna!’s songs were not heard.

These classic songs were often composed and sung by notable greats like Don Moen, Darlene Zchech, Bob Fitts, Ron Kenoly, etc. But the composers of some quite memorable titles are not-so-recognisable, yet remain highly influential.

One of these is MARTY NYSTROM.

If you don’t recognize him, Mr. Nystrom is the guy who gave us timeless worship songs like “As the Deer”, “Rejoice”, “Shepherd of My Soul”, etc. One particular song of his that’s of concern to us here on TWFT, is the song “In Your Presence” from his 2003 Hosannah! album, “In Christ Alone”.

The chorus of this song has almost universally changed the way we quote Eph 3:20. The refrain goes:

Exceedingly, Abundantly// Far above all we, could ever ask or think.

Exceedingly, Abundantly// You gave us all things to enjoy...

Those first two words, subtly (but innocently, I must add) changes Paul’s wording.

While it’s definitely mind-blowing that God can do “exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ever ask or think”, Paul’s words were actually “Exceeding abundantly above...” (Did you spot the difference?).

“Exceedingly, abundantly” is a juxtaposition of two adverbs; it’s more or less two different ways of saying the SAME thing. But Paul’s words, “exceedingly, abundantly”, is an adjective describing an adverb.

It means, God’s able to do whatever we ask or think. No, scratch that.

It means, God’s able to do above whatever we ask or think. No, scratch that.

It means, God’s able to do abundantly above whatever we ask or think. No, scratch that.

It means, God’s able to do exceeding abundantly above whatever we ask or think.

Notice Paul’s progressive hypermetering with each line. It’s often said that when we get to heaven, we’ll realise with regret how much power we had available to us while we were alive that we never put to good use. Well, this shouldn’t be one of them. Take out your Bible now and read (not sing) Ephesians 3:20. Meditate on it, and then apply its awesome implication to your prayer today.

AMEN!

Greg Elkan