I Will Praise You in the Storm

There is a song out right now on Christian radio called "Praise You in This Storm" by Casting Crowns. Here are the lyrics:

"I was sure by now
God 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 Your 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

[Chorus:]
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

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But 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

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
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth"


If you have  heard the song you know that it is a very powerful and emotional song. I  have sung it myself with gusto remembering turbulent times that God has seen me through. But I find our family in a storm right now and desperately want to praise Him in the storm but it is so hard to see clearly. I know that I can trust Him, He has seen me through so many things I have no choice but to believe that He is faithful and good. But how do I praise when it's hard to see anything to praise?  For me, it is a choice to look for things to praise Him for. I choose to praise Him for my dad surviving this stroke, for knowing he will be ok. I can praise Him for the fact that my family draws even closer in difficult times, even in tense moments when we are tired and cranky. I love seeing my dad look me in the eyes and really see him in there and know that tomorrow I will be able to hold his hand and kiss his cheek as he celebrates turning 60.  I love seeing our church family gather around us and support us. It is amazing how just listing those few things helps me realize how I can praise Him in all things. Trials are hard. Jesus said, "In this world you WILL have trouble, but take heart I have OVERCOME the world." (John 16.33)

I don't begin to understand why  bad things happen to God's people. But I do know that God has a plan for us. It is a good plan, one for our good and not for evil. Plans to prosper not to harm us. Plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) 
So because of who HE is and who He has proven Himself to be to me in my life, I will praise Him in all things. Even this storm. "And I will lift my hands because You are who You are no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried you hold in Your hand, and though my heart is torn...
I will praise You in this storm."