Day 20 of 25 Days of Thanks

When I set out to be intentionally thankful 20 days ago, never in a million years did I dream that we would be burying a friend halfway through this challenge. I can't believe how conflicted my thoughts have been in the middle of such anguish for a young widow and her 2 girls and unborn baby boy. You can probably understand that while I can personally think of a million things to be thankful for, it seems almost careless and a little insensitive to be offering praises when someone is in the midst of such a storm in life. Yet....that's exactly what God's word tells us to do. I'm reminded of the words to Casting Crowns' song Praise You in the Storm....

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 

So today, after a week of roller coaster emotions and lots of tears, I'm thankful we serve a God who we can praise through the storms of life. He's worthy of our praise everyday....the good ones and the bad. He's deserving whether we feel like it or not. He's familiar with our suffering and our grief. He's no stranger to our heartaches....and yet...somehow as we worship Him in the midst of our brokenness, we feel closer to Him, more in love with who He is and more aware of His presence. There is a beauty in brokenness that only comes from enduring the storms of this life. 

I'm thankful I can praise Him in the storm.