Sunday 15 August, 2021

There is a song that we sing in church called “I Raise a Hallelujah.” It is written by Jonathan Melissa Helser. Some of the lyrics are: “I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemy, I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief, I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody”. Jonathan documented that he wrote this song when he heard about a young boy that was part of their congregation who after being in intensive care for a few weeks, was not expected to live.  Jonathan said that when he heard the news about Jackson’s prognosis, he felt a “giant of unbelief” hit him that Jackson would die and there would be no miracle. From inside of him, Jonathan tells, this song came out of him, which united his church in prayer for Jackson. Jackson survived and returned to being a healthy young boy. Incredible…..right?!

Calling out to God to change our circumstances or the circumstances of others is what David encourages us to do in Psalm 55. “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice.” (vs 16-17) “He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me” (v18). 

Dear God,

It is incredible that we have access to such an amazing loving Father that hears our voice and sees our hearts. Lord, remind us that each day is truly a gift. Teach us to reach out to you in all circumstances. Thank you for David’s encouragement in this Psalm and also for the gift of Jonathan and Melissa Helser to write the song “I Raise a Hallelujah” to help us realise the power of your mighty name in the presence of adversity.

Amen

Written by Susannah Ware