TEN THOUSAND REASONS

I have decided to go a different direction this week with my choice.  Generally we have been looking at hymns, many of which were written centuries ago but have survived through the ages.  You are probably aware that for many there is still a controversy over the fact that today most churches have generally abandoned these great hymns and now feature praise choruses.  Unfortunately the vast majority of these will never pass the test of time.  They are often written, sung, and then forgotten.  But even so, some of them are very good and they can lead us to worship.  With that in mind, I have deviated from my usual pattern of choices and have chosen one of my favorite praise choruses that was written just last year.  I think it is a great choice to start 2013 and it could be a daily prayer for each of us during the year ahead.  It was written my Matt Redman, an English Christian worship leader, songwriter and author who, at the age of 39, has had a major impact on the church music of this generation. In 2008 Matt, his wife Beth, along with their three children, moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to plant a church with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin called Passion City Church. In August 2010 Redman and his family returned to the UK. They have since joined a church plant in Brighton at St Peter's Church, Brighton.  In February of 2011, Redman joined Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio, and Nathan and Christy Nockels at LIFT - A Worship Leader Collective. His live album, 10,000 Reasons, was recorded during this event.  On July 28, 2012, the title track of Redman's album topped the Billboard Christian Songs chart. It was Redman's first number one hit on American Contemporary Christian radio.  In discussing this number, Redman has said the following.  "When I talk about the reasons for God's worth and say there are "ten thousand reasons for my heart to find", that's actually a huge poetic understatement.  The reasons for the praise of God are so wide and wonderful that we could sing from now until forever and never run out of ideas as to why He is quite so worthy.  "... my heart may sing to You and not be silent, O lord my God, I will give thanks forever." (Psalm 30:12).  The Psalmist knows of a multitude of reasons why we should worship God.  And he knows of not one reason why he should refrain from doing so.  He can't think of a single motive why he should remain silent.  The same must be true for our own lives.  The worship of Jesus should be vibrant, creative and colorful ss we unfold our hearts in praise.  There will be an eternity of reasons to adore and revere Him"  And I doubt that I could add anything to what Matt and the Psalmist have shared.  Truly we have many more than 10,000 reasons to bless the Lord.  May we be reminded of that as we sing these words this week as part of our worship of our Great God.

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger

Your name is great, and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name

Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name

I'll worship Your holy name

Listen to Matt Redman singing and playing this week's choice.  LISTEN