Shackles (Praise You)

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You
I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands
And I’m gonna praise You
I’m gonna praise You

Today is Remembrance Sunday. We remember those bound by shackles of bereavement, disability and mental trauma. It’s a picture of the chains that bind many of us – memories of our past that bring feelings of guilt and failure, present dis-abilities that prevent our thriving and flourishing.

Like stories of those of have come through suffering, this song reminds me that the power of binding, restricting chains can be broken.

In the corners of my mind
I just can’t seem to find a reason to believe
That I can break free
‘Cause you see I have been down for so long
Feel like all hope is gone
But as I lift my hands, I understand
That I should praise You through my circumstance

Sometimes one bad day follows another; there seems to be no way out of the darkness, no light at the end of the tunnel; faith and hope are in short supply.

This song reminds me that I break these chains by praising my God. I make an intentional determined decision to look through the problems to engage with positive praise,

Everything that could go wrong
All went wrong at one time
So much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gon’ lose my mind

But I know you wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need you to lift this load
‘Cause I can’t take it no more

Trials and pressures will come my way. There will be heavy loads that I can’t carry alone. I may feel close to breaking point but

I’m – This is personal; I must engage

Gonna – Whatever happens, whatever comes my way I will…

Praise – Positive gratitude for who I am, the people around me, all I have

You – I will focus on my God, who gives me hope and strength and makes everything possible,

Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise You
I just wanna praise You
You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands
And I’m gonna praise You
I’m gonna praise You