Holding On Strong Through The Storm

Have you ever listened to the song, "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns?  It is among my current favorites and moves me so strongly especially during this time of trial in my life. 

"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."


Right now, I am trying very hard to hold on to His promises and provisions.  My husband lost his civilian job at the end of February and at first I never had a doubt in my mind that God would provide for us.  I went into the situation confident of God's plan for us.  I wasn't worried or fearful of our families fate in the least bit.  Even though He has given us small financial blessings and given us the luxury of spending so much family time together (Senior Airman was deployed last year March-August for training and we didn't see him) I have found myself getting more worried and questioning when He will step in and save the day.  I have faith that the perfect job is out there and the right opportunity will arise, but I think it is only human to become rundown and fearful. 

"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 think the important thing to remember is that despite our present circumstances, He is with us. Even when we can barely hear His voice whispering through the rain, we should ground our fears and focus in on Him. I am trying to find that courage and hope that I had a couple months ago. I am pushing myself to praise Him even when I am discouraged and dismayed. When I do this, I feel His comfort and grace. The rain doesn't always stop but I know that He is there standing over me, sheltering me.  Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  It is comforting to remember that He sees things in a completely different way than we do.  What is blurry and distorted to us, He sees clearly. 

So I encourage you as you go through similar struggles to remember that He can see what we cannot. Remember all the times that He did come through for you, when He did provide for you and keep you from harms way. By looking back on those times when He came through for you, your faith will grow.  Praise Him for everything He has done, for everything you have, for everything that HE is.