My eight-year-old daughter is always singing; whether she knows the words to the song or not, she will hum right along. Throughout the day, she will sing made-up songs about her breakfast or grace us with her “bathroom concerts”, much to the annoyance of her older siblings. There is always a song in her heart! She is at an age where not much bothers her; she has not known sorrow and therefore gladness fills her day.

Luthor Bridgers also had a song in his heart. From a young age, he shared the Gospel message wherever he went. As an evangelist, he often traveled to share the Word.  At 26, he had his youth, a beautiful wife and three precious boys; his future held much promise, and he had reason to sing.

Luthor, heading out of town on a preaching trip, had taken his family to stay with his in-laws while he was away. One evening a neighbor, unable to sleep, rose in the night and glanced out his window. He was horrified to see flames engulfing the house across the field. Racing to the scene to sound the alarm, he was too late. Luthor’s in-laws had made it out, but his wife and sons perished in the fire.

During the slow recovery from his overwhelming grief, Luthor suffered deep and almost suicidal depression. But, one day, he recalled the story of Job, a man who had lost everything and still had a song of praise for the Lord. The Almighty God who gives us “songs in the night” (Job 35:10) put his arms around Luthor that night and filled him with the strength to move on. Several months later, he wrote the words and music to a gospel song about God’s ability to keep him singing. Although he alludes to his tragedy in a couple of the verses, the chorus of this beloved hymn became the promise that allowed him to keep on going:

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know!

Fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go!”²

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Merciful Lord, you are strong and mighty, and your love never fails. In those moments when I feel as if my sorrow is drowning me, you give me a song in the night. Lord, fill me with the gladness of a child who has not known grief and keep me singing as I go! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Isaiah 51:11 (NIV).

2. “He Keeps Me Singing” hymn by Luthor Bridgers 1910.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.