My Mom is the worship director at one of our local churches, so when she finds new songs to teach the congregation, she shares them with me. A couple of months ago, she sent me the song “Raise a Hallelujah.” The melody and lyrics stayed with me for days. And then when I went to look it up on YouTube, I found that there was a story behind the song—one that made the song so much more powerful.
The story is about an experience that the CEO of Bethel Music, Joel Taylor, and his wife Janie had. Their two-year-old son Jaxon had to be admitted to the hospital because he was sick. They found out that Jaxon’s kidneys were shutting down because of an E-coli virus. The hospital put Jaxon on dialysis, but his condition worsened. The Taylors’ daughter, Addie, came down with the same infection and had to be hospitalized, too. The Taylors were friends with Jonathan and Melissa Helser, who were worship leaders in their community. One night, Jonathan Helser got a text from Joel Taylor, saying that it didn’t look like Jaxon would make it through the night. The Helsers spread the word in their community and on social media, and people across the country began to pray for Jaxon. In the midst of the prayers, the Helsers were inspired to write a song for Jaxon called “Raise a Hallelujah.” Along with the Helsers, friends from their community visited Jaxon and sang the song over him and his sister. It became known as Jaxon’s “battle anthem.” Within weeks, the Taylors brought Jaxon and Addie home from the hospital.
Joel Taylor, talking about the experience, said, “God’s timing often doesn’t make sense until you look back to see that mountains were climbed and canyons were crossed on no strength of your own. In the battle for Jaxon’s life, the global church community rose up like a mighty army and joined us in prayer and worship all over the world. Our son was miraculously healed and today is perfectly healthy.”
Stories like this inspire me. They also make me wonder what I would do if I was in the position of Jaxon’s family. Would I raise a hallelujah, trusting God completely to handle what I couldn’t? Or would I raise a ruckus—railing at God and demanding answers? And what if God chose not to heal my friend or family member? Would I be able to raise a hallelujah even then? I like to think so. I like to think that my faith is strong enough to praise God even when my heart is shattered into millions of pieces.
I have a dear friend with strong faith like that. She chose the song “Raise a Hallelujah” to be her anthem as she battles a very serious illness. I pray the words of the song over her day after day. And today, I’ve added my own words to the song. This is for her. And for you, if you or someone you love is fighting their own battle. May you raise a hallelujah—no matter what.
“Raise a Hallelujah”
– Lyrics (in CAPS) by Jonathan and Melissa Helser
– Additional lines by Renee Adele Phillips
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES
I choose to praise You in sickness and sadness, in worry and weariness
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, LOUDER THAN THE UNBELIEF
even when I don’t understand Your ways or Your whys.
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, MY WEAPON IS A MELODY
I’ll still sing, until my song becomes a battle cry,
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, HEAVEN COMES TO FIGHT FOR ME
and I can almost hear all of heaven cheering me on.
I’M GONNA SING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM
I will praise you now; I will not wait until the pain has passed—
LOUDER AND LOUDER, YOU’RE GONNA HEAR MY PRAISES ROAR
for my praise is built on faith, not feelings.
UP FROM THE ASHES, HOPE WILL ARISE
I will believe there is hope, even when it seems all is lost
DEATH IS DEFEATED, THE KING IS ALIVE
because You are both my powerful God and tender Savior.
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, WITH EVERYTHING INSIDE OF ME
With every beat of my heart, I will praise You,
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, I WILL WATCH THE DARKNESS FLEE
for You have lifted the heaviness of my burdens and given me rest.
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MYSTERY
I don’t know why You’ve chosen this path for me,
I RAISE A HALLELUJAH, FEAR YOU LOST YOUR HOLD ON ME
but I will face it without fear because You love me.
SING A LITTLE LOUDER IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES
My whole being raises praises to You—making a joyful noise
SING A LITTLE LOUDER, LOUDER THAN THE UNBELIEF
that is loud enough to drown out every voice but Yours.
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Comments 12
Sparrow, an inspirational piece of writing, as always. Miracles, we pray for them, many times. We feel our prayers are not being answered. Then, all of a sudden, the miracle happens. God dies hear our prayers, but he is on his time when our prayers are answered. Praise God’s miracle with Jaxon. We should always pray. In our church, Krista and Eric have 2 little children, a 4 year old daughter, and 2 year old son Eli. Eli is a child with Cancer. He is currently at The Methodist , Houston, there have been blood drives, our Houston Police cane out, full force, to donate blood.
trying to get the correct blood match, for the platelets. I attended a “prayer in” at our church, a month ago, at the Eli’s “count” registered Zero. Then, a miracle, his “count” started to slowly rise. Last week he was eating, at long last, “solids”. The Mullers prayers have been answered. Eli still has Cancer, but the blood platelet level is rising, “The Miracle”. Prayers, being answered. In closing, there is a great song from the 80’s by Mike and The Mechanics, “I’m looking for a miracle in my life”. God does answer miracle,when “HIS” time is right. Sparrow , many thanks for this wonderful writing today. God Bless, TexGen FF ❤️
TexGen–thank you for sharing the story of Eli. I will join you in praying for him. You’re right–miracles do still happen. But it’s about God’s timing, not ours. Thank you for your encouraging words and, as always, for adding such good thoughts to mine. ❤
They sing this song at my church and I love it.
When I met with your parents the other day your Mom was wearing her shirt!
Beth–isn’t it a beautiful song? I love it. And how cool that Mom was wearing that shirt when you met with her. If ever anyone raises a hallelujah day after day, it’s my Mom. ❤
Beautiful
Thank you. ❤
Renee, this poem is just beautiful! Thank you for the reminder to always trust that God’s ways are better and He knows what is best for us. I still don’t know why God took my Mom home so early, and I may not know this side of heaven, but I do know that God is always there and He does know the best for us. Thanks for sharing this song, the background story and your own words to this song. You have blessed me and I thank you for that. ❤️
Thank you so much, Melanie. Your words have blessed me, too. I know that the loss of your Mom still seems senseless, which is why your faith in God knowing what’s best for us inspires me. ❤
Thank you, dear Renee. Beautiful story of God’s power and grace. Beautiful lyrics to remind us to trust no matter what our circumstances are, especially when we don’t understand the why’s. Give thanks in ALL things, for that is where true joy springs forth ❤️
Lisa– I so appreciate you always taking the time to read my words. You never fail to see my heart in them. I love your last sentence–thank you for that. ❤
Oh Renee, thank you. Your beautiful poem blessed me so much.
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You are so welcome. My love to you tonight. ❤