Praises in the Storm

I was sure by now
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 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

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

-Casting Crowns, I Will Praise You in the Storm

Lately, life has been a little harder. Circumstances are not fair and there is no way to justify or understand why things happen the way they do or when they do. The unfairness of life always tends to hit when you least expect it. One minute things are great, I have optimism about the future, I am relishing in the grace of God...and then I turn around and anger, sadness, and bitterness slap me in the face. Satan has a radar for when we are down and at our weakest because that is when he strikes the hardest. One sad blow seems to be followed by another and another. My otherwise present strength and confidence seem to be fleeting along with sanity, peace, and contentment.

But just as the lyrics say above, I will continue to praise God in the storm. I know he has never left my side. He is constant and faithful and loves me more than I can even fathom. However, that doesn't mean that I won't feel angry, sad, and confused. Praising in the storm doesn't mean that tears won't fall. What it does mean though is that my circumstances and feelings do not change the constant and never-ending love of Christ. I will continue to praise...but at the same time  my heart will also continue to break.