I love this song by Casting Crowns. It talks about God being Sovereign, and praising Him, no matter if He gives or takes away. I want my faith to be REAL, not dependant on how many blessings He’s poured out on me lately…but my faith to be in HIM and who HE is. I want to PRAISE HIM no matter what. I want to develop a faith that is STRONG and to not let the enemy have ANY ground. I don’t want to be easily hurt by the enemy, but know that I have already overcome because He who is in me is stronger than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
I have been in a season for a bit now where God has taken away things that I have longed for, for so long. Some He simply has never given me. Others, He has taken away. I have confessed, repented, prayed, sought, read, meditated, and so on…and no answer to my pleas has come. My desires are from Him, things He also desires for me, so I know that this is a season in the desert…and I am learning to praise Him in the storm. I am confident that the Lord is with me. I am confident that He loves me. I am confident that He is good. I am confident that He has plans to fulfill these desires He’s put on my heart for so long.
I watch as others I know pray, seek, and obey…and God’s blessing is POURED out to them over and over….they are basking in His love and blessing. I am longing for similar things; I am walking faithfully; I am seeking HIS will for my life and have surrendered everything to HIM; I am POURING out my heart to the Lord and other people…despite what comes back to me…and shall trust in God’s sovereignty and His timing. I shall wait upon the Lord and TRUST in what I do not see. I will keep my eyes on Jesus and PRAISE HIM FAITHFULLY IN THE STORM. The God of my youth, even when I didn’t even know Him, has always loved, guided me, and taught me…He’s been intimately there for me all my life. I am thankful for HIM and the sweet husband and kids I have. No matter what each day brings me, nothing can keep me from praising Him!!! And in praising and obeying Him, there is much joy in my life right now.
This is my song for this season in my life:
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 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
[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 you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You
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
[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
Walking in Faith 