I enjoy reviewing songs that don’t force me to comb through tangles of innuendo or deal with outrageous lyrics. That makes songs like “Bless God” a welcome relief.
This melody, written by Hillsong worship leader and Grammy award-winner Brooke Ligertwood, is the first track from her latest album, Eight. The heart of this song instructs listeners to “Bless God” in every area and season of their lives, as He is worthy of all our praise.
Ligertwood begins this song by expounding upon the Beatitudes, saying “Blessed are those who run to Him/Who place their hope and confidence in Jesus,” reminding believers that “He won’t forsake them.”
She then reminds listeners of what Scripture says, that “Blessed are those who walk with Him/Whose hearts are set on pilgrimage with Jesus/They’ll see His glory/Blessed are those who die to live/Whose joy it is to give it all for Jesus.”
She goes on to share that when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not be moved.
In between these verses, she encourages listeners to praise the Lord and to “Bless God” in every season, every situation and every circumstance (“Bless God in the fields of plenty/Bless God in the darkest valley/…Bless God with a praise that costs me”).
None.
Have you ever listened to a worship song and questioned its theology? I have. But when I listened to this song, I didn’t.
It’s not because I turn to Brooke Ligertwood as a renowned theologian, but because the core of this song comes straight from the Bible. It reads, in part, like a Psalm, while expounding upon the Beatitudes found in the book of Matthew.
It’s beautiful. It’s a biblically sound reminder for Christians to bless God in all things, to die to yourself and to love Him with all of our being–simply because of who He is.
Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in 2017. Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their children Judah and Selah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog (Cali) and cat (Aslan).
