Blessed Be Your Name

Our son woke up disturbed about something early this morning. While kneeling next to his bed, I prayed for protection for him from any curses that might have been cast his way. He settled down and has slept through since then.

Since I was wide awake, I went to the computer to look for feedback from our March/early April news update, which we sent out yesterday. For us, March was an encouraging month, so the update was very upbeat. We usually get some responses back within 24 hours of each e-mailing.

One response was from a woman whom I grew up with and whose sister died in November after a bout with cancer and who would be celebrating another birthday in a few days. Another one was from a woman whose husband died in the fall. These women have been wrestling with the sadness that losing loved ones brings.

There also was a letter from a woman who, after going through some treatment for breast cancer, was diagnosed as being 100% cancer free. This was obviously a cheerful note.

As I considered the highs and lows of these 3 messages, I was reminded of a song that I first heard at a meeting for pastors in Moline, Illinois that my friend, the very Reverend John Jacobi brought me to. Pastors definitely have their high and low moments.

The song is titled Blessed Be Your Name and was written by Matt and Beth Redman. These words are dedicated to Carol, Francine, and Sandy.

Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed by Your name when I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed by Your name.

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

REFRAIN
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the Your name when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's "all as it should be"
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name