Praise You in This Storm

Blackaby states in today’s devotion that, “Praise is rooted not in circumstances of the moment but in the nature and trustworthiness of God.” Can you praise God despite the storm you’re in? It reminds me of the song by Casting Crowns, “Praise You in this Storm.” (YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldI7AjnuwE&feature=related). Praise for Him is not a feeling and it shouldn’t become a duty. Praise should be a passion. It’s a deep desire to love and serve the Lord & Creator of the universe. It is respect for who He is… the great “I Am” revealed to Moses in the burning bush, the compassionate Messiah & Savior of the world, the wise Counselor & Comforter in our time of need. We praise the God of the past, present, and future… the Alpha & the Omega. We praise God for a victory that is assured & that lies ahead with a new heaven and a new earth. We praise the God of today who is teaching & preparing us for the victory of tomorrow.

God is not surprised with the tough decisions you currently face or the difficult people in your life. Do not be afraid or discouraged. We praise a God who is sovereign and His plan is being fulfilled. Allow your love for him to become your “Magnificent Obsession” (lyrics from Steve Curtis Chapman below) so that you honor our God and help others to know His awesome majesty. Pause now and praise Him. Love Him.

Lord, You know how much

I want to know so much

In the way of answers and explanations

I have cried and prayed

And still I seem to stay

In the middle of life’s complications

All this pursuing leaves me feeling

like I’m chasing down the wind

But now it’s brought me back to You

And I can see again

This is everything I want

This is everything I need

I want this to be my one consuming passion

Everything my heart desires

Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus

Be my magnificent obsession

So capture my heart again

Take me to depths I’ve never been

Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy

Return me to the cross

And let me be completely lost

In the wonder of the love

That You’ve shown me

Cut through these chains that tie

me down to so many lesser things

Let all my dreams fall to the ground

Until this one remains

You are everything I want

And You are everything I need

Lord, You are all my heart desires

You are everything to me

You are everything I want

You are everything I need

I want You to be my one consuming passion

Everything my heart desires

Lord, I want it all to be for You

I want it all to be for You

Robert Duvall
Elder