Through the Storm
Yesterday was the last life group of the semester. We went around the circle to share how God has blessed us this semester. It's funny. Listening to everyone share "I've experienced God's grace this semester." "God has blessed me with patience"..etc. I just kept thinking about what I was going to share. When life is going badly, how can I still praise God? I felt these lyrics explain it the best.
I was sure by now,God, 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
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
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
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
What's the use of praising God only when good things are happening? That's like saying you love your spouse ONLY when the relationship is happy and free of problems. Pain, problems, and loss build our character. What is life without pain?
So while some say "Yay, God is so good to me, my life is so happy and perfect". I can proudly say that my life is difficult. It's a constant upward battle. I've experienced so much darkness and hurt. I oftentimes feel like I am at war with those around me, yet God is good. God still watches over me and feels my pain. He cries as I cry. He's building me to be a strong person so I can help others who experience the same. So my heart can break for those who've lossed a love one. So I'll know what it really means to show love to someone else whole heartedly even though they are going through seasons of darkness. Even though they are not very lovable in their darkness.
I was sure by now,God, 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
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
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
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
What's the use of praising God only when good things are happening? That's like saying you love your spouse ONLY when the relationship is happy and free of problems. Pain, problems, and loss build our character. What is life without pain?
So while some say "Yay, God is so good to me, my life is so happy and perfect". I can proudly say that my life is difficult. It's a constant upward battle. I've experienced so much darkness and hurt. I oftentimes feel like I am at war with those around me, yet God is good. God still watches over me and feels my pain. He cries as I cry. He's building me to be a strong person so I can help others who experience the same. So my heart can break for those who've lossed a love one. So I'll know what it really means to show love to someone else whole heartedly even though they are going through seasons of darkness. Even though they are not very lovable in their darkness.