Reflection #1 on "Blessed Be Your Name" by Newsboys feat. Rebecca St. James  [song lyrics]

• originally released by solidsounds.org, 02/17/2004
• author: Suzy C.
• scripture reference: Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 13:15

	From the album "Devotion" (2004) Read the song lyrics...

What do you do when something bad happens? What's the first thing you do? Do you cry? Do you call a friend or family member? Do you fight, get angry? Do you pray? Well, the Bible suggests that the first thing you do is praise God.

I know it sounds strange. You'd think when you were really in trouble, when life throws something at you that seems like it will take you out, you should pray. But the Bible is clear.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6 NKJV).

With thanks make your requests known to God, not with worry, fear or tears. When life overwhelms me, I have tried this, and it works. Those times when I rushed right into prayer, I often found myself just wallowing in the problem. I heard a preacher once say that some people's praying sounds more like complaining. Yes, we need to run to the Lord. Yes, we should pour out our hearts, but we should always approach Him with thanks.

I know this is tough. The Bible even calls it a sacrifice.

"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV).

To praise God sometimes requires that we sacrifice what we would really like to do--just fall apart. Like I said, I've been there. I know how tempting self-pity is, but I also know how empowering it is to focus on the goodness of God. When I force my mind to remember His faithfulness, His wisdom, His power, I find that my confusion begins to lift. I think more clearly, my emotions don't blind me to the option before me. And then when I turn to pray, I can really pray, talk to the Lord, not just yell at the ceiling.

So, the next time you find yourself on what the song "Blessed Be You Name" calls the road marked with suffering, do what the song suggests: bless His name! When He is walking that road with you, it is a much easier journey.

--Suzy C.

Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 13:15