Quiet Praise

I don't know how to write this. But I have to try.

The musician tonight at the local hangout, let's call him John, just sang the most painfully beautiful worship song. It was more beautiful because I know more about John.

See a couple of years ago, when John sang a song like that, it was with a beaming smile. He was joyful, seemingly always. Praise radiated when he sang.

And then the trials came. Difficulties personal, spiritual, physical, mental. When I first saw him after a year, I did not recognize him. The joy, the life, was gone.

He's better now. The glow is coming back. It's quieter, the smile more reserved. He lets you in carefully. The joy simmers, not bubbles.

And tonight he sang. It was beautiful. And when he sang about singing, praising, dancing in the dark times, there was a depth, a vulnerability. In the midst of a noisy coffee shop, there was a holy hush. I forgot to breathe.

Sometimes worship is loud and celebrating. Tonight, worship spoke quietly. Reverently. Lovingly. Tonight there was praise on the other side of pain.


Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus...and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus...and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk sometimes we fall, so
Fall on Jesus...and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus...and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus...and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus...and live!

Chris Rice / Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)
(repetitions at...edited)