I walked into the day room at the juvenile facility for incarcerated youth. The deputy saw me and made the announcement for Bible study. A group of guys headed for the classroom, leaving a new guy, Brett, sitting alone on the sofa. I asked him if he’d like to join us.
“What is it? I’ve never been before.”
“I have my guitar and we’re going to sing a couple songs and then we’ll learn something that God wants us to know from the Bible. Why don’t you come!” He did.
I opened with the song, Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman. Here are the 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 the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your name Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name
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
Every blessing You pour out, I’ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord, Still I will say Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your name Blessed be the name of the Lord, Blessed be Your glorious name You give and take away You give and take away My heart will choose to say Lord, blessed be Your name”
When we finished Brett spoke up, “I’ve heard that song before.”
I said, “Perhaps you’ve heard it in church.”
“I don’t go to church.”
I said, “It’s also a song that is sometimes sung at funerals.”
“That’s it! They sang that at my dad’s funeral!”
“I’m sorry. How long ago was that?”
“It was five years ago when I was twelve. Would it be possible for me to get a copy of those words? I’d really like to have them and read them again.”
When our Bible study ended, Brett wanted to pray and receive Christ. The deputy made a copy of the song lyrics for him before I left for home. It was a very good evening.
- Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. Psalm 113:2
_____________
[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
yes, good song indeed!
Thanks Mark. To God be the glory!
What a beautiful testimony Kathleen. That song is one of my favourites. I remember they played it at church just after the loss of my mother or brother (it’s been a while!) and I just broke down. That line about ‘He gives and takes away’ was just too raw at the time. Maybe that’s the line that touched Brett’s heart also. Praise God.
It’s one of my favorites as well. It’s a good reminder and an encouragement to bless His name even during the most difficult trials.
It is amazing what helps people to make a decision for God. It was no coincident that you chose that song for that Bible study. You know God had a hand in it. He knew what would work. Praise God and God bless you for your obedience. Susan
It is amazing, isn’t it Susan! It was the first time I’d used that song with the minors. God knew in advance what was needed that night. Praise Him!