Thou Wast, O God, and Thou Wast Blest

“Thou Wast, O God, and Thou Wast Blest” is a hymn by John Mason that reflects on the eternal nature and unchanging blessedness of God. Written in the seventeenth century, the hymn expresses deep reverence for God’s self-existence, His independence from creation, and His infinite perfection. It belongs to a tradition of devotional writing that emphasizes God’s transcendence and the proper response of humble worship.

The opening line affirms that God existed before all things and was perfectly blessed in Himself. This truth is rooted in Psalm 90:2, which declares, “Before the mountains were brought forth… even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God” (KJV). Mason emphasizes that God’s being is not dependent on anything outside Himself. He is eternal, self-sufficient, and complete.

First Timothy 1:17 describes God as “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God,” highlighting His unchanging nature and supreme authority. The hymn reflects this perspective by presenting God as infinitely worthy of honor, beyond the limitations of time and human understanding.

Revelation 1:8 records the Lord’s declaration, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.” This reinforces the theme of God’s eternal existence, which Mason weaves into the hymn’s meditation. God is not only the Creator of time but also the One who stands outside it, sovereign over all history.

James 1:17 teaches that with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. The hymn reflects this truth by emphasizing that God’s character remains constant. His goodness, wisdom, and power do not change, providing a foundation of assurance for those who trust in Him.

“Thou Wast, O God, and Thou Wast Blest” is a contemplative hymn that leads the worshipper to consider the greatness of God’s being. It encourages humility and reverence, reminding believers that God is infinitely above His creation while still worthy of their praise and devotion. Through its focus on God’s eternity and unchanging nature, the hymn calls the church to worship with awe, gratitude, and confidence in the One who is forever the same.