When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name…”
~ Matt Redman
This summer has been a little harder than usual. Not only has the heat taken a toll on me, but many changes in my personal life have taken or are still taking place.
Lets take for instance that our son has his first ‘real’ job. He makes great money–he wants to move out. Some days he is a little on the ornery side. Thank goodness for prayer – that is all I can say…
Than there are major changes going on at my work. The entire accounting department will be restructured. There are many people in the department that are hurt, are irritable; some have left the company. Myself–well after 25 years of accounting, there is a certain burnout that comes to the surface. Although I don’t dislike my job, I am just tired; tired of adding numbers and fixing other people’s mistakes. Thank goodness for His presence in my life…
There are other demands too–like cooking, laundry, keeping the house clean…and have I mentioned the heat? You don’t feel like doing much, especially after a long day of work you just want to veg out. Your brain is fried – literally. You can’t think of any new dishes to make (mostly BBQ, so the house doesn’t get any hotter). You don’t feel like picking up a book, because you read the same sentence twenty times before it hits your brain and you actually understand what you are reading. If I don’t read my Bible first thing in the morning – forget it!!!! His Word will not stick.
What truly has gotten me so far through this summer is music. Even when the noggin doesn’t work, it still can receive the message, His message. I have found myself having a good cry driving home listening to Matt’s song “Blessed be Your Name”. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good cry — you know — the cleansing cry we women sometimes need to release the tension?
Years ago, I would have not listened to His comfort through His Word, or even a message through music. I would have just gotten frustrated, turn against everyone…But since He called me back into His flock, I know where I can turn when I need a lift. To be honest with you, I don’t know how I have ever done it without Him by my side…
My message I want to get out today with my IOW post? Don’t give up. No matter what hits you, He will carry you through. I know that some of you are battling sickness, have marital problems, have wayward children. We are stressed because of our responsibilities we have as wives, mothers, and employees. There is one Rock we always can lean on — our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,and I am saved from my enemies.” ~ Psalm 18:1-3 (ESV)
Lord of Heaven and Earth. I know that sometimes things need to happen in order for us to follow Your will and not our own plans. I praise your name – Blessed be Your Name, my Rock and my Shield. In You alone I find refuge. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen
Blessings on your day and as always…
Thank you so much for taking part in this week’s IOW. Please leave your link below…looking forward reading your take on the lyrics.
| 1. Crystal@God is in Control 2. Kimberly 3. Loni@Finding JOY in the Morning 4. Miriam Pauline 5. Emmyrose 6. Sarah @ To Motherhood and Beyond 7. ellen b 8. Karen (Changed by Love) 9. Laurel Wreath 10. Tami @ the Next Step |
11. Chocolate and Coffee 12. Lana G! 13. Rachelle G. 14. Heather 15. Angie 16. Terri Sue 17. Janna Rust 18. Bonnie Winters 19. Rosemarie 20. Karen Gillett |
21. Season’s Of My Heart 22. brandybuzz 23. lori @i will take it lord.. 24. Jen @Scraps& Snippets 25. Tara (Destiny Driven) 26. kpjara 27. Hopeful Spirit 28. Beloved |
Learn more about In “Other” Words here.
View More In “Other” Words Participants
Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.
I am so thankful for Christ in my life because without Him I do not know where I would be. Music is definitely a huge source of comfort for me when I am weary from my life’s battle. Thank you for picking this song! It’s truly reminded me of how blessed I truly am.
Blessings
What a wonderful entry. Thank you so much for sharing! God bless!
Ahhh….I know the cry of which you speak……
I’ve had it many times while basking in the presence of my Lord. And yes, he refreshes and cleanses me and restores me to that place of peace.
I enjoyed your post, as always.
Much love to you today.
This is a very special song to me as well – still catches my breath. Thank you for sharing this and giving us the inspiration to share on it as well.
Blessings ~ Loni
One of my favorite songs! I pray that I have a heart that always chooses to say “Blessed be Your Name.” I’m sorry you are having to walk through this wilderness time, but God has great blessings planned for the endurance. Thank you for sharing your heart!
I love this song too and it always gives me comfort when I’m listening to it. Nice entry. God bless!
May the God of all peace guard you heart mind and soul.
Refreshment will come if you keep your eyes on Him.
Love ya girl
Love me some Matt Redman!! Great choice. So glad IOW is back! A good quote and post about not focusing on the surroundings of this life and only keeping our eyes on Him!
Amen Iris! Whatever comes our way He promises to bring us through…
blessings.
Thank you for the important reminder that praise is always in order. Though it sounds crazy, I truly believe He sustains us in our praise of Him. Great idea for this week’s quote, Iris, and thanks for being vulnerable with us.
One of my favorite songs….for so many reasons! I love how His sweet presence can be felt through the annoited lyrics of a song! Blessed be His Name. The name that is high above all names on the earth!
I really enjoyed reading your heartfelt post this morning….I am there with you girl! In a hot humid Florida heat….but there all the same!
Have a blessed day!
Thanks for choosing this quote, Iris. I know that this song has meant a lot to me as well as many other people in my life. I’m glad that you made me reflect on this today. I bet God is being blessed today by all of our comments! Glory to His name.
I can relate on the cleansing tears! I am so thankful that He walks through all of this with us. Great choice for T-IOW. Thank you.
This is a wonderful choice, Iris, thank you. I know He has used this song and other about praising Him in the midst of struggle and storms numerous times in the last few yesars to remind me to prais e Him regardless. God is SO good!
I’m feeling the heat too and ready for some cooler “outside” fun. The weather can play a major role in our daily outlook especially when it’s an extended season. The end is near…almost…mid October that is. Hang in there!
God is continually blessed as we let go and yield to His plan all the while blessing Him. Praise music does wonders for our spirit. Hold on! Praying for God’s best always concerning your work assignments.
I love your post, Iris.
We introduced this as a new praise and worship song three weeks ago at church and it was a HUGE hit! And, I just heard it on the way home from playgroup. Once I read *all* the “real” words (and not the ones I had been singin’ in my head all this time! LOL), the song seriously ministered to me and has been a HUGE blessing these last few weeks. Good choice. Good reflection. Great God! *wink*
That is one of my favorite songs. Thank you Lord for being my Rock!
I so needed to reflect on these words again this week. And I needed to read your reminder about His being our unchanging Rock. Thank you for sharing your heart…
That is such an encouraging post Iris. I think, in one way or another, we all feel just that way at times. When I was going through a very dark time I felt the Lord ask me to just praise. That is what the music helps us do. When I did, I felt His peace – not necessarily answers – but the ability to just rest in Him.
Beautifully said Iris – as always.
Thank you for a heart grabbing quote this week! Your words inspired me as they always do and I feel refreshed after penning myself! Be Blessed!!!!
Iris, I have to add one more comment today…I have sung this song all day long! (in my head!). I am so glad you were led to choose this song!
Hope your day was great!!!
Iris,
Thanks for you honest and transparent post today. I used to have a cartoon of a zebra who was standing and looking over his shoulder at his stripes which were unraveling and sliding off his back. The caption read, “It must be stress.”
Your post today reminded me of that picture. Like you, music has the power to refresh and rejuvenate my soul along with spending time daily in His Word. Thanks for the reminder that He is our all in all Blessed Be His name!
Bonnie
Iris, thank you for hosting. You always write from the heart, even when the heart is heavy as it has been this summer. Praise God that you rise above it all.
Hang in there, Iris! Fall is coming. Those falling leaves will look like manna from heaven!
You inspire a lot of folks, including me, which I wrote about last Thursday. So keep singing and clinging to the Rock.
Blessings to you.
Oh yes, His name is so beautiful! And it certainly sounds like you’re needing His refreshment and encouragement right now… especially at work. I’m praying for a return to peace and stability in your office. {{{Hugs}}} e-Mom
Thank you for dropping by. It’s such a blessing to be here.
Take care!
Oh Iris, This is such a precious post. Thank you for sharing from your heart…you have reached out to my aching heart and blessed! Yes, Jesus is our strength, He is our Hope….
Diane
I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!
Also, I wanted to let you know…
Its PARTY TIME over at my blog…come and see!!
I’m sorry you’ve had a tough summer! I find peace and healing through music as well, so I can relate. I hope as the heat lets up, your mood will lift as well! Love to you, friend!
Iris,thank you so much for sharing your inners.
Blessed be your name, be blessed from you! Everyone on earth, his child, has special blessings from him, maybe sometime delay, but delay not denial..
Let stand frimly in his love
Thanks for sharing. I totally agree with you! He will never leaves us or forsake us.That’s our covenant with Him! To God be the Glory. Have a nice weekend
I’ve never heard the song but I love the lyrics. When I’m stressed out or upset over something I also find peace in listening to music. Thank you for this post. Sometimes as Christians when everything seems to be changing around us it is good to be reminded that “There is one Rock we always can lean on — our Lord, Jesus Christ.”