Praise You In This Storm.

I drive over 2 hours each day to get to and from work. Every day. 5 days a week. Some days it can get plain nuts in the car alone. Just me and the radio. Just me and my cell phone which doesn't get reception within 40 miles of my house. Just me and my snacks. Lots of time to think. I tend to pray a lot in the car. And listen. Sometimes. Sometimes I get selfish and ask a lot of favors.  

I was thinking today, why is it that we tend to pray more when we need something? It's like never speaking to a loved one for an extended period of time, then suddenly calling them out of the blue saying, "Hey, what's up?". Your loved one would probably think, but never say, "What does he want now?" That is the difference between a loved one or friend and God. God is always waiting for us to talk to Him. We think we can pull it off all by ourselves, but it won't turn out exactly how we expect. That's guaranteed. We go into the battle of the day or an event in our lives without checking our armor. We cannot be fully prepared without God. Believe me, I've tried. And failed.

But man, when there is a need or someone sick or dying, the praying does not cease. Prayers of 'I want this and I want that' start pouring out if we're faced with a difficult situation. Where are those prayers when we've just received a bonus at work or received a raise in pay? Or when we finally catch up on our bills? (I'm still waiting for this one). Where is God in the midst of the "new car smell"? We all know we've been there. We might be there today. Do we thank Him enough? Where do our prayers of thanksgiving fit in?

These past two weeks I have prayed like nobody's business because we have a very ill family member in my wife's family. He is fighting for his life as I write this post. But I can tell you this, I know God has our loved one right in the palm of His hand. He is improving slowly every day and I thank God for it. In this storm I want to be reminded that we are to praise God in all things. All things. Storms are sent into our lives for a reason. To build our faith and trust in knowing the storm will pass. I know He is with us through every storm and will ride it out with us. Umbrella and all. He's got it covered and we need not worry. Because we are not standing in the rain alone. And I know he will still be there when the sun shines again.

"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