B- Blessed by Your Name/Matt Redman

B-Blessed by your name-Matt Redman

(This is written in part to my alma mater, Johnson University, who tragically lost a beloved faculty member yesterday)

This song was written by Matt and Beth Redman in part, in response, to the 9/11 attacks. They realized that there was not many songs to convey the pain and grief many were experiencing during that time.

What I love about this song is that it is not a lament, but speaks to the importance of expressing praise to God in all seasons of life, in joy and suffering.

The lyrics that have always spoken to my heart are, “ You give and take away My heart will choose to say, “Lord, blessed be your name”

I don’t know how many times I have cried over this lyrics. Normally in a season of suffering in my life, it helps to remind me to choose to worship God.

However, today, the response was different. I grieved for my alma mater and the lives this teacher had a profound impact on. I prayed, “Help them to choose to worship God in this season of grief”.

I don’t know what type of season you find yourself in right now.

Maybe it is a season of joy, when everything in the world seems right. You have just got married, had a child, or really discovering passion in your life again.

Maybe it is a season of suffering. You are going through a trial, grieving the loss of a loved one, or just grieving at the brokenness of our world.

Regardless, I urge you, Brothers and sisters, to choose to worship God in whatever season you find yourself in.

If you are in a season of joy, worship God and turn your blessings into praise towards God. Let your praise move you to show Jesus’s love to the world around you.

If you are in a season of suffering, remember that God is good even if you find it hard to believe right now. Be open and honest with God, giving him your doubts, and fears. May this season draw you closer to God, and may your story bring others closer to God as well.