Praise in the storm

There's a song about the storms of life that I can't get out of my heart and I suppose that's a good thing. Except the song I'd rather have is one where life is rosy and without trials.

Guess that one will have to wait until Heaven.

Here are the lyrics....

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen," and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

This is Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm." And it's a fitting anthem for where I continue to find myself these days.

I'd hoped 2007 would be different than 2006. Funny thing is the same stresses and fears are pounding my heart and tearing at my faith, but I'm different.

And God is not.

He's still here.

It's so easy to forget that when physical and emotional pain pummel like an unrelenting winter blizzard.

When all I want is to come in from the rain and never be away from the warm fire and shelter again.

But that’s not life down here.

On planet earth we are daily faced with the “pray harder, stretch farther, and just get it done” attitude that comes from within and without. We live with bodies that grow older each day and illnesses that strip away our smiles like the last leaf of autumn in a thunderstorm.

But we don’t have to collapse and let the storm destroy us. Or our faith.

Easier said than done, yes.

But it can be done. In Christ. By believing the Truth. By lifting our weary and wet hands and remembering…

He’s still here.

And that makes a difference because when we look in His face we can rest assured He knows the purpose and plan for our lives. He knows what we can’t see. Regardless of whether we understand or not, He has measured our burdens and charted our path for good.

For glory.

That truth may not keep the bite out of the wind, but if we allow the Holy Spirit to whisper to us of Home, of God’s love, His provision and protection~ no matter how invisible they seem~ we’ll catch a glimpse of the sun again.

And maybe even pause and rest a bit in the light and shelter of the Son.

Then when we stand to walk again we’ll do so in His strength, knowing there is an end to this rain. It’s coming.

Until then, we can praise Him in the storm and fix our eyes firmly toward Home.