We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post, which is at no additional cost to you. :)
As a member of the Sandwich Generation caring for elderly parents and a granny nanny to half my grandkids I stay extremely busy. As a result, I put my iPod to good use frequently. I have a variety of podcasts in it, including ones talking about caregiving and blogging. I enjoy favorite sermons. And 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. Written by Matt Redman and recorded by several wonderful artists including Robin Mark
, The Newsboys
, Rebecca St. James
, and, of course, Matt Redman
himself, this song has been such a blessing to so many in our family! Originally written after the horrific events of 9/11, it started popping up on KLOVE and in our churches at a time when we were personally going through some difficult trials. Many was the time I would be standing in church, singing this song at the top of my lungs as tears rolled down my face.
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 1:21 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. 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 such comforting and encouraging Bible verses 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. As I sing along with this praise and worship song, it’s words and music comfort my heart and help me to put into words the choice I want to make. 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!
Hi Kaye,
What a moving post and a joy-filled song–I had never heard it before! The scripture that you quoted is one of my favorite about things working together for our good. But, I can imagine that after a loss, it is difficult for someone to embrace that emotion…
I guess that is where faith comes in…and of course, no life is without loss…however, it is always very difficult to deal with….People with the strongest faith of all when faced with a loss, experience it just like everyone else…I believe the only comfort is in knowing that God loves us no matter what is happening in our lives…
Love and blessings,
Cindy
Hi Cindy, Thank you so much 🙂 I appreciate your sweet thoughts. And your timing was perfect! Have a blessed week!
Kaye~
Thank you so much for your message this morning. When I read
…Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Oh how this brings back memories of when I was a new christian as an adult and I was going through one of the roughest times in my life. I remembered his words to give thanks and that he wanted only good for us so even at a time of grief from my current situation and losses I gave thanks knowing in my heart that he had a plan for me and that he only wanted good for me…. In a short time, the pain passed and I experienced such a sense peace that I cannot explain in words… In just a short time I was truly thankful and I couldn’t wait to see what his plan was for me!
Really enjoyed your post… Take care~ Sherry F.
Hi Sherry, Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful testimony! God is so AWESOME!!! Have a blessed week.