Blessed be His Name!

It is so true that when times are good we praise God. We thank him over and over for the good things He brings into our lives. It is when times get bad that we forget to praise Him still. How do you thank God for pain and suffering?


A song keeps playing in my head these days. I was first introduced to it when I began singing at church after a long time of not using the gift I have. It grew on me immediately. Now when I sing it or listen to it, the words have MUCH greater meaning. It is written by Matt & Beth Redman and I encourage anyone who comes across it to listen to it. 


We SHOULD praise God and thank Him for everything we are given. He gives us opportunities to bear crosses to become closer to Him; more like him in spirit. Do I always have a truly thankful heart? No. Of course not! I'm human! But when I feel alone and scared about the future and self-pity creeps in, I remind myself of the truly abundant blessings God has given me, and I thank Him for the chance to bear my own insignificant cross so that I might be stronger.


It is said that we will be refined through fire - and come out as gold and silver. Well, fire burns. It scars. But these wounds and scars are nothing - absolutely nothing - compared to what Jesus endured. The wounds and scars we receive here will only make us stronger, more pure.


"Blessed Be Your Name" partial lyrics

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

 

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name