Richard Smallwood - I Give You Praise Lyrics
Lyrics
LEAD:
You are all I need
And where You lead me I will follow
And with all my heart
I give You praise, oh
For life, for health, and strength
For giving peace
In midst of sorrow
I will mines eyes
And give You praise
Your love
That sent from above
Has changed my midnights
Into a thosand rainbows
For through You love
I found more strength
Than I've ever known
You are my dwelling place
My present help in time of trouble
Through the calm, through the storm
I give You praise
Lord, You are
My dwelling place
My present help
And for theses things
I give You praise
For this, I give You praise!
Video
"I Give You Praise" Richard Smallwood Singers(1990)
Meaning & Inspiration
Richard Smallwood's "I Give You Praise," featured on his 1999 album *Memorable Moments*, is a profound declaration of unwavering devotion and gratitude, resonating with a deep well of spiritual truth. The song emerges not just as a musical piece, but as a testament to a faith that finds solace and strength in the divine, even amidst life’s inevitable trials. Its central message revolves around the absolute sufficiency of God, positing Him as the singular source of all that is good and necessary. Smallwood articulates a complete surrender, stating, "You are all I need," and a willingness to follow wherever divine guidance leads, a sentiment echoed in Proverbs 3:5-6 which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, acknowledging His direction in all our ways. The act of offering praise, as articulated in the lyrics, is not a conditional response to favorable circumstances but a consistent posture of the heart. The singer expresses praise for life, health, and strength, recognizing these as gifts, but critically, also for the "peace in midst of sorrow." This speaks directly to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, as promised in Philippians 4:7, a peace that can indeed anchor us even when the world around us is in turmoil.
The imagery of God transforming "midnights into a thousand rainbows" is a powerful metaphor for spiritual renewal and hope. It suggests a profound redemptive power that can turn despair into vibrant joy, a concept deeply rooted in biblical narratives of restoration and light overcoming darkness. This transformation is attributed to divine love, described as coming "from above," aligning with the biblical understanding of God's boundless and originating love for humanity, as exemplified in John 3:16. The strength found through this love is not merely superficial but foundational, as Smallwood declares, "I found more strength than I've ever known." This resonates with passages like Isaiah 41:10, which assures, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." The recurring phrase, "You are my dwelling place, my present help in time of trouble," is a direct echo of Psalm 46:1, which proclaims God as our "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," and Psalm 91, which speaks of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and finding rest in His shadow. This assurance provides a constant anchor, enabling one to face life's challenges, "through the calm, through the storm," with an unshakeable spirit of praise. Ultimately, "I Give You Praise" is more than a song; it's a heartfelt, scripturally rich articulation of a faith that finds its ultimate purpose and sufficiency in God, fostering a profound sense of peace and enduring strength for all who embrace its message.