Desert Song

This is a song near and dear to my heart. When I was in high school I began attending a youth group at a local church that was used to change my life. The friends, mentors and best of all the good news I discovered at Oneighty @ Grace Family Church certainly had a life long affect on me and my relationship with Jesus. Another aspect that I've always been thankful for was the music that so ministered to my heart. Throughout my relationship with Jesus, I've always been able to turn on a song about Him and it has helped change my heart in that given moment to be closer to Him. I think everyone has a different way that God has wired them to be present and connect with Him. Mine has always been through music. It gives me the words to praise Jesus. For me, songs about the Lord often bring scripture to life and give me a way to praise Him.

Desert Song has ministered to me for years in more than one way.I first heard this song at Oneighty when Chantal, a beautiful and talented worship leader who is now with Jesus, sang it for a group of broken, confused and thirsty teenagers. No matter where I've been in my life, this song has really taken all of the emotion I feel and can't make sense of and uses it for His good. This song first ministered to me when my father passed away in high school. Then in college when I couldn't figure out the path God had me on. Then after the birth of my first child when I went through many of us moms call "baby blues". And now, as I sit in a hospital bed and have doctors and nurses monitor the baby in my belly. As I listen to a doctor tell me news that vary from having a completely healthy child all the way to the possible complications I could have at any moment. All I can think of throughout this process is I will bring praise.

This song has ministered to me in many situations, which I felt at the time were extremely difficult, but this time I feel even more of a need to lean into the words of this song. It's more than a song. It's a prayer and a plea. A proclamation bringing me out of my emotional, broken and confused state to a place where I find peace, security and strength. All of my life in every season, you are still God. I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship. Blessed beyond words can express, this baby is healthy right now and the environment he or she is in is safe. They say I should be able to go home soon since things are looking much better. Even if that changes I hope my prayer will continue to be that I will bring praise, I will bring praise. No weapon formed against me shall remain. I will rejoice, I will declare. God is my victory and He is here.

              "Desert Song" (listen here)
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me, Lord, through the flame

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow