When I first listened to "Blessed Be" by contemporary artist Jason Gray on his album All the Lovely Losers, I was captivated by his songs' emotional and biblical messages. This particular song was the eighth one I showcased in my "Behind the Song" devotional article series, which started in March 2008. Throughout the years, I've shared numerous songs by Jason, and this marks our 21st collaboration together.
I'm always excited to hear new music from Jason. In 2020, he released his entire album, Order, Disorder, Reorder, mirroring the themes of the pandemic. Jason tells a story of the process of transformation in three volumes. It's order when life goes your way. It's disorder when life gets out of your control. It's reorder when you persevere through hardship, becoming wiser, stronger, and humbler. The Order EP features "I'm Gonna Let it Go" and "Order Disorder Reorder." The Disorder EP features “Remind Me You’re Here.” And the ReorderEP features “Glory Days” and includes my anthem, “Right on Time.”
The anointed songwriter and singer has returned with a new album, Place for Me. The title track, “Place for Me,” is a beautifully crafted, driving pop song lifted by Jason’s vocals and a chorus of voices singing about the universal human need for belonging.
Similar to his previous albums, the central theme of this release is discovering our identity in Christ, being truthful and open with ourselves and others, and allowing God's grace to illuminate our lives by showcasing how His strength is flawless in our vulnerabilities. I recently spoke with Jason about the song.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
At its best, the Church offers a place to belong based on our need for help, patience, guidance, and grace. If you have been humbled by whatever life has thrown at you, be encouraged. You’re not alone, you have a place to belong, and you’re uniquely prepared to receive the best of what God offers through the miracle of the Church, the gathering of the saints.
God's ways are higher than our ways. "Place for Me" affirms wrestling and questioning with intimacy and a desire for God’s presence. Disorder is when our order falls apart, maybe through a relationship that breaks down, a job loss, or even a global pandemic. And, though it can be scary and painful, disorder isn't necessarily evil. It's so often where we meet with God most profoundly and where He usually gets His best work done in us, setting the stage for our transformation.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
2 Corinthians 3:18(NKJV): “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Romans 5:3-4(NKJV): “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
1 Peter 4:13(NKJV): “But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”
Proverbs 3:5-6(NKJV): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Philippians 1:6 (NKJV): "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 4:6-7(NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:11-13(NKJV): “Not that I speak regarding need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): "We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan."
What is the takeaway message?
When we’re lonely or sad, we can still sing hallelujah, because when we’re broken, He can get in there and bring out His glory in us. I feel something like quiet anticipation when I feel brokenhearted. I, too, can glory in my sufferings because I know those are good days to seek God, trusting that I’m in a good place for Him to do His work in me, moving me from glory to glory, making me more of the person I most want to be, someone who looks a little more like Jesus every day.
We've all gone through hardships, coming out the other side as a wiser, stronger, and more compassionate version of ourselves. Not to mention we have more humility. That, of course, is the beginning of reordering.
For today, I pray that God will help us embrace disorder as a place of hope and know there’s a place for us where He meets with us and our remaking begins. I hope you find these songs a meaningful and steady companion on your own journey.
Lyrics
I don’t have to be perfect to get inside the door I don’t have to be good to be loved If it’s true that my wounds are what the healer’s looking for Then it’s a good thing I’ve got more than enough
Hallelujah, there's a place for me In the company of sinners saved by grace Here among the broken on their knees Hallelujah, Thank you, Jesus; there’s a place for me
If the losers and the lowly are the ones that you call blessed If my weakness shows the power of your blood If my failures preach the gospel, more than my success Then it’s a good thing I’ve got more than enough
Hallelujah, there's a place for me In the company of sinners saved by grace Here among the broken on their knees Hallelujah, Thank you, Jesus; there’s a place for me
I’m part of a family now (I know I belong) If I’m up or if I’m down (I know I belong) I was blind, but now I see (and I know I belong) And all I know is it’s saving me (‘cause I know I belong, I know I belong)
Hallelujah, there's a place for me In the company of sinners saved by grace Here among the broken on their knees Oh, thank you, Jesus!
Hallelujah, there's a place for me In the company of sinners saved by grace Here among the broken on their knees That’s the place I am changed, forgiven, and set free Hallelujah, Thank you, Jesus; there’s a place for me
Closing Thoughts
If you like singer-songwriters who wear their hearts on their sleeves and sing about the truth of what it means to walk with God and work out their salvation with fear and trembling, then don't miss out on Jason Gray, one of Christian music's most treasured artists.
Once more, Jason welcomes listeners into his story of faith through a song that blends his unique lyrical expression with Gospel truths for those who are open to its message. Jason is one of my favorite Christian music writers because his songs are emotional, vulnerable, and authentic.
Once you adopt the words of this song into your heart, you will remember the truth that Jesus has always been, He is today, and He always will be the one who makes way for us—even when it seems impossible. That's something to remember and rest upon.
In any situation, God will make way for His children. Amidst the world's troubles, we must gaze toward God, placing our complete faith and hope in Him. It's in our weakness that God is made strong. Only through God's grace can we simultaneously overcome our emotional conflicts of feeling invisible and conspicuous.
The meaning behind this popular song is rooted in Paul’s words to the Romans in Chapter 5. These words encourage us to celebrate and be joyful in the hope of God's glory as we thank Jesus for sacrificing Himself on the cross as a substitute for our sinful nature. It’s through His grace that we stand blameless before God.
This truth has been a source of peace and comfort for me when I’ve felt societal and financial pressures. I find comfort in relying on God's grace and placing my stress at His feet. Following Paul's teachings, I can even rejoice in my suffering, as it reminds me to surrender my life to Jesus Christ, my Lord, and Savior. Through His justification of me as His follower, I persevere despite my earthly challenges.
This melody reminds us that our happiness is not dependent on external circumstances. Instead, we should focus on our connection to Christ and His unwavering loyalty, which deserves our utmost appreciation and worship. This song reinforces my belief that I am not insignificant or scared. Often, we spend much time fretting about various aspects of our existence. It is crucial to relinquish that anxiety and let the Lord act as our savior.
We live in a fallen and sinful world. “Place for Me” is a gorgeous offering of praise to the only One who has the power to save. It is a very sing-able song, and I love singing the joyful lyrics, “If my failures preach the gospel, more than my success/Then it’s a good thing I’ve got more than enough/Hallelujah there's a place for me /In the company of sinners saved by grace/Here among the broken on their knees/Hallelujah/Thank You, Jesus, there’s a place for me.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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