THE STORM

 

Yesterday was a difficult day. News from home overwhelms me and the burden of grief, helplessness and despair cloaks my soul.

So many among us look desperately at the distant horizon, toward the capital, begging, pleading for those in positions of authority to intervene, to bring about some semblance of peace amidst all the horror and affliction.

The cycle is vicious, unending; the stories every day damning. And difficult as it is, I find it hard to look away…

And then last night, a promise reinforced twice.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

~ Philippians 4:4-7

All these days, we have looked around and seen madness.

We have seen a deep unfathomable abyss within and without.

And come away with nothing but heaviness.

We have looked in hope, at leaders, rulers, fellow citizens.

Willing their willingness to step in and intercede.

And been left with nothing but a deep sense of anguish.

What we really needed was to just look up.

To all my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the conflict, and those like us, on the outside, I invite you to take a few moments , minutes  today.

Take a few minutes and together, with our hearts and petitions, with thanksgiving, yes thanksgiving, let us bring our requests before Him.

And though the storms may rage around us, take heart knowing that we serve a mighty God…

 

https://youtu.be/MgpaULjZOl8

I was sure by now
God, 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
Well, as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I'll 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

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
And raised me up again
But my strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You?
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I'll 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

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of Heaven and Earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of Heaven and Earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?

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
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
And though my heart is torn (though my heart is torn)
I'll praise You in this storm (praise You in this storm)