Bless God

Cody Carnes sings “Bless God,” a version of the song also recorded by Shane & Shane, built from the beatitudes. It begins, “Blessed are those who run to Him, who place their hope and confidence in Jesus, He won't forsake them,” and the next stanza describes people who “bend their knee and fix their gaze on Jesus,” who “won't be shaken.” The leader then calls the room in: “Come on and praise the Lord with me, sing if you love His name.”

The third stanza speaks of hearts “set on pilgrimage with Jesus,” who “will see His glory,” and of those who “die to live” and give it all “for Him only.” The chorus then flips the direction, with the congregation blessing God instead of being blessed. The singer blesses God in the sanctuary, in the fields of plenty and in the darkest valley, “when my hands are empty,” “with a praise that costs me,” “when nobody's watching,” “when the weapon's forming” and “when the walls are falling.” The reasons all point to God himself, who goes before, holds the victory, is always present and is always worthy. The song closes on “Hallelujah.”

Blessing the Lord at all times is Psalm 34:1. Blessed are all who take refuge in him in Psalm 2:12, and those who set their hearts on pilgrimage in Psalm 84:5.