Dear Family,

Here is an mp3 of the song I just wrote.  

And here is the written music as a PDF file. Just right-click to download.

This song will be sung by the BJU drama team as part of their presentation of the Ritschards testimony. The text (below) is a direct adaptation from Psalm 103 and the chorus is taken from James 1:17. The melody will be woven underneath the dramatization of their story. I hope it will be a blessing to you and I hope it will remind you to pray for the Ritschards and to pray for the team as they travel with this presentation all next semester.

The challenge of the presentation: Can we say "Bless the Lord" even in the midst of darkness? Can we see even our trials as perfect gifts from God?

"Thank you, Lord, for the trials you send, for they are not misery but an opening through which I can see your face more clearly." (Rachel)

Bless the Lord

(text adaptation by David Burke)

Bless the Lord, my soul, when darkness falls

And remember the gifts He has given

He forgets not His own

He forgives my sin, He heals each wound

So my strength is renewed as an eagle

Bless the Lord, O my soul

Chorus:

For every good gift

And every perfect

Comes down to me from above

Through the dark night

With countless stars of light

My Father shows His love

Creator of each galaxy

The Father of lights is He

Every good gift

And every perfect gift

He freely gives to me

Bless the Lord, my soul

When tempted sore

As a Father looks down on His children

He will pity His own

He redeems my life

He crowns my days;

For His mercy is higher than heaven

Bless the Lord, O my soul

For every good gift

And every perfect gift

He freely gives to me