Music Monday– Praise You in this Storm

There are so many songs that feel like they have seen right into my life and can read my heart. If there’s one thing that can discourage me more than anything else, it’s when I start having the expectation that things should be different or better by now. This trial should be over! I’ve done everything you’ve asked, Lord, so why am I still in this storm?

That way of thinking has caused me more problems than probably anything else in my life. What arrogance! Who am I to think that I know better than the God of the universe? And how fickle I can be! One day I can be praising God for His blessings and sharing testimonies far and wide. The next day, I can be stuck in a mood and certain that I deserve better. But that’s not how God operates! He is a Good Father and works all things for my good.

Here’s the kicker. I know that praising God is the quickest way to get me out of that mood. And sometimes I just don’t want to. Before I know it, I’m truly depressed…and sometimes it lasts for a long time, even after the mood has passed and I want to give thanks again.

So what have I learned? That I need to praise God IN the storm, not wait for it to be over. I don’t mean to say it’s a cure or preventative for depression for everyone, but it really is for me. Why should I not praise the One who can command the storm? And whether He silences it or not, He is with me and I will be safe.

But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Luke 8:23-25

I was sure by now
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
And once again
I say, “Amen” and it’s still rainin’

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I’ll raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And 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