be ye glad...oh yes!

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.John 16:33 ESV

As we were beginning worship one morning at church, I was arrested by the beauty and the message of a song I hadn't heard or sung for many years.

Those of us who were young adults during the of the late 60s into the 70s and 80s may remember "Be Ye Glad" as a peaceful balm to our souls. So when those opening words and melody penetrated my consciousness, I had to stop and reflect on every word.

In light of all the upheaval in the world, along with the upheavals in your own world, why not take a few moments and listen, reflect on the message, and even sing along. But mostly, praise our Lord God Jesus Christ who is on His throne...He has overcome the world and your world...so peace, my brother & sister...BE GLAD, He has paid it all!

BE YE GLAD

In these days of confused situations.
In these nights of a restless remorse,
When the heart and the soul of the nation, lay wounded and cold as a corpse.
From the grave of the innocent Adam, comes a song bringing joy to the sad.
Oh your cry has been heard and the ransom, has been paid up in full, Be Ye Glad.

(Chorus)

Oh, Be Ye Glad,
Be Ye Glad,
Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord,
Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad.

From the dungeon a rumor is stirring.
You have heard it again and again.
But this time the cell keys are turning, and outside there are faces of friends.
And though your body lay weary from wasting, and your eyes show the sorrow they've had.
Oh the love that your heart is now tasting has opened the gate,
Be Ye Glad.

(Chorus)

So be like lights on the rim of the water, giving hope in a storm sea of night.
Be a refuge amidst the slaughter, for these fugitives in their flight.
For you are timeless and part of a puzzle.
You are winsome and young as a lad.
And there is no disease or no struggle, that can pull you from God,
Be Ye Glad.

(Chorus)

Words and Music by M.K.Blanchard © Gotz Music/Benson

I emailed the writer Michael Blanchard about the back-story to "Be Ye Glad."  Be blessed and encouraged as you read Michael's explanation of the imagery in the lyrics.

I wrote Be Ye Glad for my 1980 release LOVE LIVES ON...I wrote the tune during the Iranian hostage crisis of the late 70's and so many of the images in the lyrics were originally derived from that. The concept of Grace received and then, in response to that free gift, being given out to others, has always resonated in me as the heart and central delight of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Love so much larger than our theological constructs and conditions. So much kinder then our hearts can imagine. mkb

For an interesting article about this and other songs from the Jesus Movement years and after, see:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/anxiousbench/2012/07/be-ye-glad-christian-music-in-the-1980s/