Praise in the Storm

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:4-5

We can “praise Him in the storm” as the musical group, Casting Crowns sings. I heard that song on K-Love radio one day and they mentioned that the song was being dedicated to a young boy that had just lost his battle to cancer that morning and that was his favorite song! Oh my heart broke at that moment, for in the middle of that battle for life, this boy knew that God never left his side and every tear that was shed was saved. This young boy was in the middle of the “perfect storm” in his life and yet he would keep his eyes focused on God, and he kept praising God for who God is, no matter how rough the storm was. I thought about the courage this boy had, that even in the midst of pain and suffering he was worshiping and giving his praises to God. What courage, what strength, what focus! I understood about praising in the storm, for when I had my herniated disc and I was living on my couch for about two months, all I had was God and He sustained me. Without God I had no hope. My praises did not depend on the circumstances in my life, but it depended on where my heart was at. My circumstances did not determine my heart and I too could praise Him in the midst of my storm. When in the storm and being battered around, I would cling to Him because He gave me hope and He gave me faith to get me through all things. Although God may not take away the circumstances when I would like them to be removed, I was able to hold onto His promises in His Word that He would never leave me nor forsake me. He is with me always and all I have to do is raise my eyes to him and see that he is there and has always been there for me – storm or no storm, he is standing at my side!

Question: Are you in the middle of a storm in your life? Can you start to praise God, even in the middle of a storm, regardless of the circumstances that surround you?