As a senior home care giver and grandma who stays extremely busy, I put my iPod to good use frequently. I have a variety of podcasts in it, including ones talking about caregiving and blogging. I have favorite sermons. I also have a great selection of praise and worship songs that are so encouraging to me, particularly on my “down days.” One of my all time favorites is Blessed Be Your Name
I was reminded of that time recently when our guest pastor shared the story of how his wife and he had to deal with the loss of their first child a couple of years ago. He commented that God used this song in their lives in such a powerful way. “Every time we turned the radio on that song was playing. Every time we went to church, they’d sing that song.” They, too, were blessed to be reminded that, as Job says:
Then Job arose and … fell to the ground and worshiped. He said … “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.
That kind of surrender rarely comes easily or quickly. It is such a precious gift from God as we walk with Him daily! As senior home care givers, we are often called to deal with major crises, trials, and even loss. When our beloveds are Christians, we know that the loss is only temporary, but it hurts to say good-bye. I still miss my husband and my dad, even though they went ahead to heaven several years ago. I know, though, that our times truly are in God’s hands. As God keeps reminding me, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” and “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Those facts from God’s Word help form the foundation of my life and enable me to deal more easily with the needs that come up as I serve as a caregiver and any stress that arises from them. This song helps put that into words and music for me and, as I sing it, I use it to enable me to worship God and give thanks, even when it is hard to do so. What a gift this song has been to so many. I found a great YouTube video of it performed by Robin Mark
