Yet...through it all...God is there.
In a comment sent to me.
In a prayer found in my Inbox.
In a telephone call offering peace for my journey.
In a walk with a found friend.
In a meal delivered in kindness.
In a chocolate cake baked with love.
In a card offering hope.
In a surprise encounter in a parking lot.
In a cup of coffee shared in the hospital 'Food Court'.
In a generous gift of a transponder to cover parking costs.
In a faithful, nightly chat on Facebook.
In a voice reminding me of unfolding secrets.
In a friend and hairdresser who blessed me with "No Charge".
In a listening ear.
In arms that enfold.
In eyes that silently say, "I understand" and expect no answer.
God is in this storm...and I will still praise Him. Was worried that doing so was hypocritical when my heart is wavering between worship and why. Yet, in obedience, I surrender. Praising Him in my darkest times, shines His light the brightest.
Another meeting at 11:00 this morning. Too tired to think. Lord provide.
Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms
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.
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 onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
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
Chorus
24 comments:
Oh my dear Joy,
I love you and am praying for you and your family.
Here is a quote from the blog study book we are doing "an untroubled heart" by Micca Campbell.
I thought of you when I read it.
"living in God's presence is like taking shelter under an umbrella in the midst of a storm. While we can't stop the rain, we can keep from getting soaked with fear by taking shelter.... take cover under the sheltering wings of God during life's storms."
I pray that God will fill you today with a sense of His presence with you in this storm, and that you will sense Him covering you with His feather and that you will take refuge under His wings.
Love you,
Heather
Joy,
I am so sorry you and your family are going through such a difficult time. Praying for God's perfect peace in the midst of this storm in your lives.
Love you...
Joy: Your words are so sweetly honest and gentle. I am comforted reading this, and so I pray HE comforts you and that you realize what a blessing you are.
I love all the ways you see Him meeting you throughout these days..I love the list of His provisions for you.
As you are forced to unwrap those undesired gifts, You are also looking to Jesus - our Indescribable Gift -- giving Him praise and seeking His face. He is the unfathomable gift!
"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." 2 Cor. 9:15
We feel your heartache and are looking to our Redeemer with you.
In prayer,
Sharon
I'm still praying for you and your family, Joy. Words fail me, but my heart is with you, friend.
Hey, sweet friend! Prayed for y'all this morning! Your obedience is such an anchor in this storm. Just continue to lean on the arms of your lovng Daddy--your Abba! He will be your comfort and strength.
Love you!
Susan
Joy,
I'm glad to hear from you, but I'm sorry you are still in the midst of the storm, enduring. I am thankful that you continue to cry out to Him and rest in Him each night.
Lovingly and praying,
Yolanda
I thought of that song as I read your post. It's okay to worship and ask why. I believe He loves an obedient heart that worship while He knows we want to know why, how come, etc.
My heart aches for you.
I agree with Heather, this chapter on Untroubled Heart is so good. I quoted many of Micca's words if you have a moment to take a look at maybe be encouraged in some small way.
I pray for you and your family today.
Melanie@Bella~Mella
I have no words, Joy. Just more prayer. God IS faithful!
Kim
Praying from Mesa, AZ.
Love,
Lori
God is so faithful, Joy, to provide you that long list of loving encouragement in the midst of your walk through this valley.
I am still praying for you--for strength, grace and peace, and that you will sense God's loving presence every moment.
Dear Joy,
I have been in that place "between worship and why" (such a good way to put it). It can be lonely though you are surrounded! This is a beautiful post, Joy. I love that song!
He will make all things beautiful in its time!
Love to you, friend!
You are running an awesome race! One that empowered by love.
Because He Lives!
Cheri
Continuing to hold up your arms as you stand firm in this storm. You are loved Joy by so many but none more than the ONE who offers HIS comfort to you in the midst.
Joy, Reading your post took me back to long days spent in the hospital with my own dad and my son, their illnesses and the diffidult time trials. May our Lord give you peace for this journey and comfort you during the days and nights ahead.
Sweet Joy - my words of encouragment were left on your other blog this morning. I hope the 11:00 meeting is comforting and productive. Thanks for your list of how others have blessed you as it has given me some ideas for a struggling friend nearby.
Judy
Joy,
I am so praying for you. I will be mailing something to you in a while once i get the item.
Bless you and your sweet family.
Leah
Love you, Joy. Thinking of you this Thursday.
peace~elaine
This post made me cry. I love this song, it has special meaning to me. And I am so thankful for all the ways God is still there for you. I'm touched by your willingness to share such little and yet loving ways God is ministering to you.
HUGS from Colorado Springs,
Tiffany
Joy, I am so glad you praise Him anyway. I felt that same thing~fearing being a hypocrite...but later (alot later unfortunately) I realized it wasn't about how I felt, but that He is worthy...
Love and prayers from Wisconsin. May the Lord uphold you with His Mighty hand and raise you up on eagles wings!
Hi Joy, I am returning to offer words of encouragement after having read your comments on my blog. Yes - I know the when's of trials along with the if's. Something that once gave me an added bit of hope to get through yet another circumstance were these words:"Remember whatever falls on us has first of all been in God's hands and for this one experience He has allowed this trial to pass through His hands and pour over you." So I take courage in the fact that God, in His mercy and grace, has allowed this thing to happen to me. Who am I to doubt or question. Joy - I know your pain. I am praying for you, your daddy, and his caregivers.
Oh joy.....what a beautiful post. I am so sorry for what you are going through with your dad. You have my prayers and lot's of hugs and love for you. Have a blessed Easter. Much love!!!
Praying for you, too, today!
Praying for you right now.
Just wondering how you are.
Zoe
Sorry to hear you've been going through such a rough patch, yet what you've shared reads like a Psalm. It is normal to ask "why?" yet at the same time, choosing to recognise that God is with you, and continuing to respect and worship Him rather than complain bitterly, is an honest and healthy reaction.
I wrote on my blog recently about The Wilderness, where during my journey through depression I learned to trust in Christ instead of grumbling.
God bless.
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