Praise You in This Storm

Praise You in This Storm - Casting Crowns

A friend of mine at work just lost their husband yesterday. I find myself not being able to think of anything else. I often take my life for granted because death seems like such a distant possibility.

When someone in your "circle" passes away life begins to be fragile again. I did not know this man personally, but I had heard a lot about him through his wife. He had health problems, but this was still an extremely unexpected passing. When a friend hurts we should hurt with them. I hurt with my friend today. It is so hard to understand when we lose someone we love or when something tragic happens. Some blame God; some turn to Him. It is the latter group that will find peace and help through those times. The group that blames God usually will find torment and bitterness.

When we lost Emily we found a song that meant so much to us. It was Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns. It talks about that even in the midst of life's terrible storms we can find peace. God is our shelter in the storm. We do not have the strength on our own to cope. We need to know that we are taken care of and will be comforted.

The entire message of Praise You in This Storm is one of unwavering devotion to God - even when it is not easy. The moment I realized that I had to give my all to Him in the midst of a struggle was the moment that I found strength. When we lay our burdens upon the big shoulders of Jesus we are able to get up. We are able to breathe. We are able to heal.

I cannot imagine what my friend is going through right now. I will pray for her as will the rest of our church family. That is what they did for us and I know that is what will happen for her. That is the power of God's love in action. We felt that love so strong when we lost Emily. That is why when the next storm comes around I will lift my hands up in praise to the almighty God.

Here are the lyrics to Praise You in This 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
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.

Chorus:
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.

Chorus

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.

Chorus