Be Not Afraid
During these times of uncertainty, one of the places I find comfort is in the music of the church. Recently I came across a recording that I want to share as an encouragement. It's a beautiful rendition of a hymn called "Be Not Afraid".
As you listen to the rich Biblical imagery, you may find that certain passages come to mind. Or you may simply find yourself singing along. And, if you're like me, you'll return to this song over and over again, humming along to it for days for come.
As the sermon series "God's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands" draws to a close, I can think of no better way to remind ourselves of God's nearness, than to share this song. May you sing along with all your heart and be encouraged in your soul. God is with you. Be not afraid.
As you listen to the rich Biblical imagery, you may find that certain passages come to mind. Or you may simply find yourself singing along. And, if you're like me, you'll return to this song over and over again, humming along to it for days for come.
As the sermon series "God's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands" draws to a close, I can think of no better way to remind ourselves of God's nearness, than to share this song. May you sing along with all your heart and be encouraged in your soul. God is with you. Be not afraid.
BE NOT AFRAID by Bob Dufford, SJ*
v1. You shall cross the barren desert but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words to foreign lands and all will understand.
You shall see the face of God and live.
{refrain}
Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow Me and I will give you rest.
v2. If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown.
If you walk amidst the burning flames you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side,
know that I am with you, through it all. {refrain}
v.3 Blessed are your poor for the Kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of Me,
blessed, blessed are you! {refrain}
v.4 And when the earth has turned beneath you and your voice is seldom heard.
When the flood of gifts that blessed your life has long since ebbed away.
When your mind is thick and hope is thin and dark is all around,
I will stand beside you till the dawn. {refrain}
You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words to foreign lands and all will understand.
You shall see the face of God and live.
{refrain}
Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow Me and I will give you rest.
v2. If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown.
If you walk amidst the burning flames you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side,
know that I am with you, through it all. {refrain}
v.3 Blessed are your poor for the Kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of Me,
blessed, blessed are you! {refrain}
v.4 And when the earth has turned beneath you and your voice is seldom heard.
When the flood of gifts that blessed your life has long since ebbed away.
When your mind is thick and hope is thin and dark is all around,
I will stand beside you till the dawn. {refrain}
I hope you enjoy this Salt + Light Media presentation. https://saltandlighttv.org/ BE NOT AFRAID By Bob Dufford, SJ Published by Oregon Catholic Press Text and music copyright 1975, 1978, 2007, Robert J. Dufford, SJ and OCP. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Video produced by Salt + Light Media. Instrumental Track: Mixed and mastered by Tom Booth Rick Modlin – piano Tom Booth – acoustic guitars, bass and synth strings Todd Chuba – percussion
Performed by: Dan Schutte, John Michael Talbot, Steve Angrisano, Tom Booth, Fr. Rob Galea, Sarah Hart, Sarah Kroger, Tony Melendez, Jesse Manibusan, Susan HooKong-Taylor, Jennifer Martin, Renee Bondi, Curtis Stephan, Mark Mallett, Kitty Cleveland, Chris Bray, Nancy Bodsworth, David Wang, Bob Halligan Jr., Marie Miller, Luke Spehar, Amanda Vernon, Danielle Rose, Ken Canedo, Gretchen Harris, Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, Colleen MacAlister, Mikey Needleman, Danielle Noonan, Cooper Ray, PJ Anderson, Michael James Mette and MJM7, Lee Roessler, Lorraine Hess, Kathleen and Jesse Leblanc, Greg and Mary Walton, Tori Harris, Aly Aleigha, Rita West, Matt Lewis, Corrie-Marie, Ryan and Elizabeth Tremblay, Taylor Tripodi, Miley Azbill, Hannah Schaefer, Francesca LaRosa, John Angotti, Damaris Thillet, Ivan Diaz, Pedro Rubalcava, Anna Betancourt and Santiago Fernandez.
Published by Oregon Catholic Press Text and music copyright 1975, 1978, 2007, Robert J. Dufford, SJ and OCP. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Video produced by Salt + Light Media. Instrumental Track: Mixed and mastered by Tom Booth Rick Modlin – piano Tom Booth – acoustic guitars, bass and synth strings Todd Chuba – percussion
Performed by: Dan Schutte, John Michael Talbot, Steve Angrisano, Tom Booth, Fr. Rob Galea, Sarah Hart, Sarah Kroger, Tony Melendez, Jesse Manibusan, Susan HooKong-Taylor, Jennifer Martin, Renee Bondi, Curtis Stephan, Mark Mallett, Kitty Cleveland, Chris Bray, Nancy Bodsworth, David Wang, Bob Halligan Jr., Marie Miller, Luke Spehar, Amanda Vernon, Danielle Rose, Ken Canedo, Gretchen Harris, Fr. Cyprian Consiglio, Colleen MacAlister, Mikey Needleman, Danielle Noonan, Cooper Ray, PJ Anderson, Michael James Mette and MJM7, Lee Roessler, Lorraine Hess, Kathleen and Jesse Leblanc, Greg and Mary Walton, Tori Harris, Aly Aleigha, Rita West, Matt Lewis, Corrie-Marie, Ryan and Elizabeth Tremblay, Taylor Tripodi, Miley Azbill, Hannah Schaefer, Francesca LaRosa, John Angotti, Damaris Thillet, Ivan Diaz, Pedro Rubalcava, Anna Betancourt and Santiago Fernandez.
Published by Oregon Catholic Press Text and music copyright 1975, 1978, 2007, Robert J. Dufford, SJ and OCP. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
1 Comment
Thank you Shari! You learn something new everyday. I didn't know there was a blog. In a church I attended in the early 90's and early 2000's with Joan Cathy we sang this song pretty frequently. It was a blessing and followed along with the Bible verse I hold dear from Joshua 1:9.