Dennis Jernigan - The Blessing Song Lyrics
Lyrics
May the Lord answer you in the day of your trouble
May the name of the Lord be your strong mighty tower
May He grant you your heart's deepest dreams and desires
May He answer each time you call
May He pour out the blessing of heaven
May you cast your cares on Him and daily fall
May you live to see your children's children
May Lord Jesus be your all in all
May the Lord Jesus Christ satisfy beyond all measure
May His Word light your path
May His peace guard your heart
May your days be filled with gladness, joy and peace through any sadness
Filled with love that will not depart
May your strength be renewed like the eagle
As you run the race may joy flood every part
May your memories all be sweet in each parting
May the peace of Christ rule in your heart
May His word be to you health and life, joy and treasure
May your home be a light
May the Lord guard your ways
May the Lord be your shepherd
May His goodness and mercy follow after you all your days
May His mercies be new every morning
May His grace and Holy Spirit help you stand
May you live your life to die for the gospel
May you hold to His unchanging hand
May the Lord answer you in the day of your trouble
May the name of the Lord be your strong mighty tower
May He grant you your heart's deepest dreams and desires
May He answer each time you call
Video
The Blessing Song
Meaning & Inspiration
Dennis Jernigan’s "The Blessing Song," released on January 1, 1994, as part of his album *Like Christmas All Year 'Round*, stands as a timeless musical prayer, a deep well of scriptural benediction. This song isn't merely a collection of encouraging phrases; it is a meticulously crafted tapestry of divine promises woven into a fervent appeal to God on behalf of the recipient. Jernigan, known for his worship anthems, presents here a piece less about a catchy melody and more about the profound, life-altering power of God’s favor, making it a powerful source of spiritual solace and affirmation for all who encounter it.
The very essence of "The Blessing Song" lies in its direct emulation of ancient scriptural blessings, echoing the priests' pronouncements over Israel and apostolic prayers found in the New Testament. It functions as a melodic invocation, an earnest desire for the Lord's hand to be evident in every facet of a person's life. Rather than narrating a personal struggle or triumph, the song's objective is to articulate hopes and prayers that align directly with God’s revealed character and His will for His children. It's a confession of faith, not just for the one singing, but a heartfelt declaration over another, inviting divine intervention and peace into their circumstances, rooted in the belief that God truly desires to bless His people.
The opening lines, "May the Lord answer you in the day of your trouble / May the name of the Lord be your strong mighty tower," immediately set a foundation of divine refuge. This mirrors Psalm 20:1, which begins with "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you." It also powerfully evokes Proverbs 18:10, proclaiming that "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." This isn't wishful thinking but a confident appeal to God's established nature as protector and provider. The plea for the granting of "your heart's deepest dreams and desires" is deeply rooted in Psalm 37:4, which promises that if we "delight yourself in the Lord, he will give you you the desires of your heart," implying a heart aligned with His will. And the assurance, "May He answer each time you call," resonates with countless scriptures, including Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
The song continues to build on this theme of abundant provision, praying, "May He pour out the blessing of heaven." This concept of overflowing grace is a cornerstone of Christian faith, reminding us of the spiritual blessings Ephesians 1:3 declares we already have in Christ. The exhortation to "cast your cares on Him and daily fall" beautifully captures the humility and trust articulated in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you," emphasizing a continuous, daily surrender to His care. The wish to "live to see your children's children" is a timeless biblical blessing, symbolizing longevity, legacy, and generational favor, as seen in Psalm 128:6. And the declaration, "May Lord Jesus be your all in all," reflects Colossians 3:11, which asserts Christ's supremacy in every area of life, fulfilling every need.
Further expanding on spiritual satisfaction, the verse "May the Lord Jesus Christ satisfy beyond all measure" speaks to a soul-deep contentment that transcends worldly pleasures. This echoes Psalm 107:9, which says, "He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." The prayer "May His Word light your path" is a direct reference to Psalm 119:105, affirming Scripture's role as a guiding lamp for life's journey, illuminating choices and directions. The desire for "His peace guard your heart" directly parallels Philippians 4:7, where the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." The hope that "your days be filled with gladness, joy and peace through any sadness / Filled with love that will not depart" is a powerful testament to the supernatural joy and steadfast love that Christ offers, even amidst trials, a joy distinct from fleeting happiness, as Jesus Himself promised in John 14:27.
The song then shifts to an empowering invocation, "May your strength be renewed like the eagle." This instantly brings to mind Isaiah 40:31: "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." This promise speaks of spiritual endurance for the Christian race, aligning with Hebrews 12:1-2, which urges believers to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." The desire that "joy flood every part" of that journey underscores that faith isn't meant to be burdensome but joyful. The poignant line, "May your memories all be sweet in each parting," speaks to God's redemptive power even over sorrow, and "May the peace of Christ rule in your heart" directly quotes Colossians 3:15, establishing Christ's inner sovereignty as the ultimate arbiter of tranquility.
The petition "May His word be to you health and life, joy and treasure" encapsulates the transformative power of Scripture, a theme frequently highlighted in Proverbs 4:20-22, which speaks of God's words bringing life and healing. The prayer "May your home be a light" extends the blessing beyond the individual, echoing Matthew 5:14-16, where believers are called to be "the light of the world," shining forth God's goodness. The assurance "May the Lord guard your ways" and "May the Lord be your shepherd" draws upon the profound comfort of Psalm 121:7, "The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life," and the shepherd imagery of Psalm 23, where the Lord guides, provides for, and protects His flock with tender care. Concluding this section with "May His goodness and mercy follow after you all your days" is a direct quote from Psalm 23:6, a timeless declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness.
Finally, the song articulates foundational Christian truths: "May His mercies be new every morning," a direct echo of Lamentations 3:22-23, reminding us of God's fresh compassion each day. The request "May His grace and Holy Spirit help you stand" acknowledges the divine enablement essential for a life of faith, referencing Ephesians 2:8-9 on grace as a gift and John 14:26 on the Spirit as a helper, guiding us in truth. The challenging yet inspiring prayer "May you live your life to die for the gospel" is a call to radical discipleship, reflecting Jesus' words in Matthew 16:25 about losing one's life for His sake in order to find true life. And the closing, "May you hold to His unchanging hand," firmly grounds the blessing in God's immutable character, a profound comfort in a world of constant flux, reminiscent of Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." This powerful song, ultimately, is a reminder of the rich inheritance and boundless grace available to those who anchor their lives in the steadfast love of God.