Storms of Life

*Prayer and groaning for the life of a loved one living far from God
*Doubt and resistance towards following the will of God
*Hurt and pain caused by fellow Christians
*Poor countries devastated by earthquakes
*Small east Texas towns turned upside down by tornados

Storms take all kinds of forms in our lives. Some storms are not all consuming. They ebb and flow throughout our days, weeks, or months dropping us to our knees for a moment in time crying out to Almighty God. These types of storms don't necessarily rock your entire world 100% of the time. They exist, yes; but they don't cripple. They are still difficult, but they aren't debilitating.

Other storms drop us to our knees and refuse to let us up for some given period of time. Those in Haiti at this time are experiencing this type of a storm right now. There is no escape from the pain and suffering. Those with a faith in God may find themselves constantly crying out to God because if they stop for even a moment the pain will overwhelm them. A tornado hit a small east Texas town yesterday. While the devastation is nothing compared to Haiti, to the people living there it rocked their world.

As Christians we experience times in our lives with both types of storms. Some all-consuming, some not. I am at a point right now where the storm is minimal. There are moments of hurt and crying out to God; but I am not crippled. I am not devastated. I am at a peak not a valley at this point in my walk. However, others around me are in the pit. Their worlds have been rocked, and they are hurting beyond what they thought possible. I find myself today praying for these people-especially for those in Haiti.

The following song is one of my favorites that has carried me through times of devastating storms. I heard it this morning, and couldn't help but praise God for carrying me through times of pain so intense I thought I'd never see the end. I pray for Haiti, those in east Texas, and anyone else experiencing strong storms in life that this song can bring comfort to you!

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

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
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
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 raised me up again
But my strength is almost gone
How can I carry on if I can't find You?
And 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
You never left my side
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!

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!!

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
Cause 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
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.