The Blessing of Casting Crowns

bless you today
To cast your crowns
Before the throne (Rev. 4:10).

Not because God demanded it,
Not because it is your duty,
Not because your humility needs be displayed.

But because you find
Greater delight,
Deeper joy,
Higher satisfaction,
In losing yourself in wonder
At the vision of God’s grace
Than any earthly honor of your own.

The four living creatures in John’s vision,
All eyes, all wide-eyed,
In wonder of God’s majesty,
Laid their crowns before the King
Because worship brings life’s best gift:

Self-forgetfulness.

I bless you with the bliss
Of forgetting self
(Whether nagging worries or noble works)
Long enough
To taste the delicious freedom
That comes only
When the soul is overwhelmed
With awe at the glory and goodness of God.

Cast your crown for joy,
Child of God,
For joy!