It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with other writers. We get a one-word prompt and get to write for five minutes flat. Our word for this week is Praise.
START
It's easy to praise God when life is going well. I sing praise songs. I love to worship the God who sustains me and gives me all I have. I thank Him for blessing me.
But what happens when life gets turned upside down?
I had that experience happen to me. Circumstances occurred, and I didn't feel I had any control. What was I to do?
I made the conscious choice to praise Him in the storm. I remember clearly listening to a song that Casting Crowns recorded. I would sing the words through my tears. And it helped me as I remembered that God hadn't forgotten me. He was with me in the storm.
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
That 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
And I'll praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
That 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 you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone how can I carry on
If I can't find you
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear you whisper through the rain
I'm with ...
Even to this day, life hasn't returned to what I envisioned to be the answer to my prayer. And yet, I will praise Him.
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will boast of all His kindness to me. Let all who are discourged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt His name." Psalm 34:1-3
We are not promised an easy life. But God is sovereign, and I choose to trust Him, even through the storm.
END
Blessings and love,
