Monday Musing-Praise You in This Storm

Belinda Kersey 2008

 

God’s Word

“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:37-40

My Thoughts

This song inspires me again and again.  Some of the words are, "I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands. You are who You are, NO MATTER where I am." We have to let that permeate our every thought. NO MATTER where I am or what I am going through, God will ALWAYS be who HE is. If God is good, then He is always good no matter what storm I face. 

The song says "You whisper through the rain, I'm with you." We expect Him to shout over the storm so we will not miss Him but He wants us to LISTEN for His still, small, whispering voice. It continues, "as Your mercy falls, I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away." We want to believe in the giving God, we have issues with the taking God. We as parents give and take away with our children as well. If we love them we will give them the good as well as the things that are good for them-even discipline. We will take away things from them that are not of benefit or are detrimental to them, even if they don't understand or don't like it. 

Some of the most tender words to me are "Every tear I've cried, YOU hold in Your hands." How amazing that His hands hold our tears. I know when He holds them, He truly feels those tears and feels the pain that goes with each one.  My friend  has lived and walked every word of this song as her family was divided by a divorce she did not desire.  She and her two young boys have chosen to praise God in the very midst of their storm and God has rewarded them with comfort and His provision during the very lowest times of their struggle. God holds each of their tears and holds them closely as they learn to live as three instead of four.

As well, the song says "You never left my side though my heart was torn." Some of our dearest, closest friends and family will not be able to stay by our side as our hearts are torn. Some can not face their own pain so they aren't any good to us in ours. Some have so many other obligations that they can not be at our side. Others are physically too far away. BUT GOD (as my Aunt Lucille often said), BUT GOD is always by our side. 

Next time you are in a storm, be still, listen for the whisper and say BUT GOD! He is there by your side. When the circumstances say all is lost, you say BUT GOD. He is holding your tears. Raise your hands in the rain and praise Him because HE is WHO HE is! 

Your Response

Raise your hands to the God who controls the seas, the wind and the rain.  Lift your voice to your Shelter and praise Him for being God, for being your shelter.  Thank Him for every good thing He has given you.  If you are able, turn on some music, raise your hands and dance before Him.  Praise Him in your storm!

 The Song

“Praise You in this Storm” by Casting Crowns