On a late July night back in 2012, I was reeling. Earlier that day, my wife, Kimberly, had undergone a kidney transplant in Oklahoma City. Due to other complications, she also had to be given a trach to ensure an open airway. AND, Kimberly’s sister had donated the kidney … so late that night, I had two people I loved recovering from 3 significant surgeries – my wife was in ICU, my sister-in-law was in pain … and I was a mess.
At the end of that long day, I could hardly vocalize any words, much less pray any coherent prayers. So I put some music on to occupy my mind. The first song that came on was a new song (at the time) … Matt Redmond’s “10,000 Reasons.” As the song began, the chorus encouraged, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, worship His holy name! Sing like never before, O my soul, I’ll worship Your holy name.”
As I sang that song in the hospital that night, I wept tears of thankfulness for the provision of the previous day. The LORD was good and worthy of praise – no matter what. While I was singing this song, Kimberly was bleeding internally (unbeknownst to us at the time) and was truly in a life or death situation. I am so thankful that the LORD saved her life that night, and she has made a full recovery … but no matter what had happened, the LORD was worthy of our praise.
For those familiar with the Psalms, you realize that Redman’s “new song” is not really new at all. The powerful chorus is a quotation from Psalm 103 – a 3,000 year old song written by King David. This Psalm’s introduction is Redman’s chorus, and it serves as somewhat of a command to our own souls. Rather than responding to our feelings like a feather in the wind, David commands his own soul to “bless the Lord and forget none of His benefits.”
When times are going great OR in times when you are reeling, may these words roll off our tongues. May we sing to our souls and call them to bless the Lord, no matter what, and forget not any of His benefits.
This Sunday, at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 worship services, we will be in part 7 of our “Him Book” sermon series, looking at Psalm 103. As we gather, I am going to be encouraging us to speak to our souls and call them to bless the LORD and remember His provision no matter what. It was true on that night in July 2012, and it is true this Sunday. See you there … and if you know anyone who needs an encouraging reminder of what our God has done for us … bring them with you!
So grateful for Kimberly! Worship His holy name! We love this series. Thank you!🙌🌟