Josh Garrels - Benediction Lyrics
Lyrics
May all of your days shine brightly
And your nights blessed with peace
Wherever you lay down to sleep
And all things are made good
For those who believe
May you grow from a seed
Into a strong, fruitful tree
As the days unfold
Hold your breath to see
Life is a mystery
And joy, it is severe
When the way is rough and steep
But love will make your days complete
And may the work of your hands help those in need
Befriend the lonely, serve the weak
And forgive enemies
And if you find true love, one day marry
Bear a child from your seed
Help it to grow into a tree
As the days unfold
Hold your breathe to see
Life is a mystery
And joy, it is severe
When the way is rough and steep
Love will make your days complete
Video
Josh Garrels, "Benediction" (Official Audio)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on April 14, 2015, Josh Garrels' "Benediction" emerges not merely as a song, but as a tender, profound prayer set to music, a spiritual invocation of blessings upon a life. The very title, "Benediction," meaning a blessing, particularly at the conclusion of a religious service, perfectly encapsulates its essence: a heartfelt, scripturally rich pronouncement of divine favor and a vision for a life lived in grace and purpose. It feels like a parent’s prayer for a beloved child, or a pastor’s earnest intercession for their flock, guiding and encouraging through every stage of existence.
The song begins with an aspiration for fundamental well-being, desiring that "all of your days shine brightly / And your nights blessed with peace / Wherever you lay down to sleep." This opening mirrors the comforting and comprehensive peace found in Scripture, echoing passages like Numbers 6:24-26, where the Lord is entreated to "bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." It speaks to God's ever-present care, ensuring rest and tranquility under His watchful eye, akin to the psalmist's declaration in Psalm 4:8, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." This sets a foundational hope for an existence cradled in divine peace from morning light to evening repose.
From physical and emotional peace, the blessing extends to spiritual growth and the assurance of God's redemptive work. The lyrics "And all things are made good / For those who believe / May you grow from a seed / Into a strong, fruitful tree" beautifully articulate the transformative power of faith. This resonates deeply with Romans 8:28, which assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The imagery of growing from a seed into a strong, fruitful tree directly calls to mind Psalm 1:3, depicting the blessed person "like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." It's a prayer for deep roots, resilience, and a life abundant in the fruit of the Spirit, mirroring Jesus' teaching in John 15:5 about abiding in Him to bear much fruit.
The song then thoughtfully acknowledges life's inherent mysteries and challenges, offering a robust perspective on navigating them. "As the days unfold / Hold your breath to see / Life is a mystery," he sings, a humble admission of human limitation in understanding God's vast plan, reflecting Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This segues into a powerful truth: "And joy, it is severe / When the way is rough and steep / But love will make your days complete." The concept of "severe joy" is striking, perhaps referring to the profound, sometimes painful joy found in perseverance through hardship, a joy born of trial that deepens faith, akin to James 1:2-4 where we are told to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds... because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Ultimately, this section anchors itself in the enduring power of love, the greatest of all virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13), as the ultimate fulfillment and completion of one’s days.
Moving beyond personal well-being, "Benediction" outlines a life of outward-focused service and Christ-like compassion: "And may the work of your hands help those in need / Befriend the lonely, serve the weak / And forgive enemies." This is a direct invocation of the practical outworking of faith, a call to live out the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor. It echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-40, where serving "the least of these" is seen as serving Him directly. The command to "befriend the lonely, serve the weak" resonates with James 1:27, defining true religion as caring for the vulnerable. Most profoundly, the call to "forgive enemies" is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, a radical love demonstrated and taught by Jesus in Luke 6:27-28: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
The song then touches upon the beauty and significance of family and legacy: "And if you find true love, one day marry / Bear a child from your seed / Help it to grow into a tree." This blessing recognizes marriage as a sacred covenant and parenthood as a divine stewardship, tasked with raising the next generation in faith. It ties back to the initial imagery of growth from a seed to a tree, emphasizing the importance of nurturing children, not just physically but spiritually, into strong, fruitful individuals who will continue to bear witness to God's goodness, reflecting Psalm 127:3 that "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."
The song closes by reiterating the profound truth that "As the days unfold / Hold your breathe to see / Life is a mystery / Love will make your days complete." This repetition underscores the enduring nature of life’s enigmatic journey and the unwavering constant that is God's love, which, when embraced and lived out, truly completes and fulfills all things. "Benediction" is more than a song; it is a spiritual roadmap, a tender charge, and a beautiful declaration of God's desire for a blessed, purposeful, and love-filled existence for all who walk by faith. It's an inspiring reminder that every day is an unfolding mystery, best navigated with trust in the divine and an unwavering commitment to love.