The Healing Journey

July 15, 2025

Author and minister Max Lucado wrote the following reflection as part of his foreword to singer Matt Redman’s book “10,000 Reasons,” which compiles stories of faith, hope and thanksgiving in the face of loss. The song is based on Psalm 103.

The Blanco River typically meanders through South Texas like a sleepy summer afternoon. But every so often, it gets angry. Just ask Jonathan McComb. He, his family, and his friends had nothing more in mind than a peaceful Memorial Day weekend of play and rest. But the river had other plans. Swollen by spring rains, the river roared forty-four feet over its banks and swept everything in sight into the dark night. Jonathan had little warning and no time to prepare. The river house in which he was staying was sucked off its foundation and carried downriver with residents inside. It crashed into bridges and trees, ripping walls away.

Within a few minutes, all inside were desperately clutching to a single mattress. One by one, Jonathan saw his friends, wife, and children lose the battle. By the time Jonathan was able to clutch a tree and pull himself to shore, he’d suffered unspeakable tragedy. Within a few days, he stood before a crowded church and paid a eulogy to his wife and two children. Among the songs he chose was Matt Redman’s “10,000 Reasons.”

Hear Matt Redman sing “10,000 Reasons” https://youtu.be/XtwIT8JjddM?si=BVrufckQHbhHN24S.

10,000 Reasons

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

The sun comes up
It’s a new day dawning
It’s time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass
And whatever lies before me
Let me be singing
When the evening comes

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

You’re rich in love
And You’re slow to anger
Your name is great
And Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness
I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons
For my heart to find

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
Bless You Lord

And on that day
When my strength is failing
The end draws near
And my time has come
Still my soul will
Sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years
And then forevermore
Forevermore

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
Yes I’ll worship Your Holy name
I’ll worship Your Holy name

Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name
Jesus I will worship Your Holy name
Worship Your Holy name

(Songwriters: Jonas Myrin / Matt Redman
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing)

***