I Raise a Hallelujah

Aug 25, 2019 | by Nancy Newbrough

Prayers have been continuous for my preschool son’s healing since his diagnosis of Autism a year and a half ago. The Prayer Team constantly prays with us during every new circumstance in our lives – like our trip to India this summer and very recently before our son started kindergarten. We felt God guiding us through each and every step, strengthening us along the way through his Son, Jesus Christ.

My husband and I had decided on a relaxing summer at home for our two boys since we thought they needed a break after their chaotic school year which included a lot of activities. We stayed indoors most days (due to the heat), playing games, reading, and coloring. But the one activity we enjoyed most was listening to worship songs and learning to sing along!

The kids were excited to pick their favorite “Jesus” song when it was their turn to choose one. They quickly picked up the lyrics and sang, danced and praised God every single day. It was a fun and exciting thing to do! After VBX, my older son was inspired to search for “Power Up” VBS songs on YouTube to teach his younger brother who was not old enough to attend.

As we were getting closer to “back to school” week, I was very nervous about my younger son starting kindergarten because of his special education needs. My husband and I constantly prayed for our boys’ new teachers and friends.

Two days before school started, I felt so weak and scared about our son starting “big” school. I was worried how he would perform. What if he felt scared? What if it was too much for him? Would school and learning overwhelm him? Would he be able to adjust to new routines? But a voice kept telling me to continue worshiping with my kids.

One day while we were browsing for new Christian songs on the internet, I came across the song called: “I Raise a Hallelujah.” While I was singing this new song with my children, I felt God’s presence. (Psalm 22:3 declares God inhabits the praises of His people!) He was asking me to sing louder and louder in the midst of my fear and unbelief. He was promising me through this song that “heaven would fight for me.”

This soon became one of our favorite songs. Whenever I turned the radio on while driving, I would hear this song play almost every single day. It was like God wanted me to hear it continuously during this difficult time!

As we attended “Meet the Teacher” event at our school, I was relieved to find out that my kids both have wonderful teachers who both are very sweet with the children. My older son started second grade and is very excited about school. My younger son enjoys walking to school every morning with his big brother and is getting adjusted to the new routines. His teacher is so kind and patient with him. He is also getting a lot of help from his special education teachers. When the boys get home from school, we turn on the praise music and worship God with singing and dancing once again!

Last Sunday while attending a worship service at The Fellowship, I was so surprised and grateful when the worship team sang: “I Raise a Hallelujah.” As the song began, my husband and I smiled at each other. In that moment, I was so overwhelmed with God’s love for me!

Though still a work in progress who struggles daily, I am so grateful for my God’s grace that He freely gives in this process of life. I will continue to worship my God, my Savior every single day of my life!

“I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm…
Up from the ashes, hope will arise,
Death is defeated, the King is alive.

I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me;
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee;
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery;
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!"

A.J.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV