Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Praise You in the Storm

The topic of conversation in our area today is not how many delegate votes each candidate received, but yesterday's storms that rolled through the South. Big Buckaroo was out of town on Park business and was standing in downtown Memphis with tornado horns going off all around last night. He is fine and is on his way home today. Unfortunately, many were not as fortunate. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost loved ones, their homes, and for some of them, hope.

Storms are something that I have learned alot about in the past few years at this historical park. Not because of the threat of tornadoes - the threat of physical harm - but the threat of succumbing to fear and self-pity. I have learned that when I stand up, God stands with me. When I ground myself in His Word, I become not only determined to stay His course, but to become all He created and designed me to be.

If there ever were a test of our faith, if there was a test of the motives of our worship, it is when a storm rolls into our lives. Sometimes God calms our storms. Sometimes He chooses to ride them with us.

The first time I heard Casting Crown's song Praise You in the Storm I was moved to tears and still every time I hear it I am touched.

"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."

What an AMAZING God we serve.

Dear God, I pray for the families effected by the storms that raged through our area last night. I pray they will feel Your presence with them and that they will lean on You until their storms end.

Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

The Park Wife

9 comments:

Sandy said...

"Sometimes God calms our storms. Sometimes He chooses to ride them with us."

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

Marge said...

Times like this bring ever closer to the front of my mind, my favorite little saying. And it's words are especially fitting today:

Don't tell God how large your storm is; tell your storm how large God is!

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear you guys are ok.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting my blog, I think yours is lovely.

Anonymous said...

I saw that you commented on my blog today and wanted you to know that I have often checked yours out as well. It was very fun to know that you have visited my blog and found it an inspiriation. What an encouragemtnt.

Thanks. In His Grip

Valarie Lea said...

Amen

I love that song also, what I love the most is that it is so, so true. We rode through the storms ok, but unfortunately there were some just south of us that did not. I'm praying for their families.

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!! Incredbily well said and well written..and what an awesome reminder of the awesome God we serve. How thankful I am that we don't have wonder if he hears us!!! Thank you for your witness..and friendship.

Anonymous said...

You have been on my mind all day. Been a weird one here, nothing major, just weird. Thankful you are ok. I checked in earlier real quick but didn't have time to write. Was glad to see you were ok though.

OKGardners said...

I'm so glad to know your area wasn't affected by the damage. My daughter in Memphis had damage all around, but they were safe. They live east of Memphis, towards Jackson, where the most damage was.

Thank God ALL are safe and God took care of each of you.

Betty in Oklahoma