30. Praise Him in the storm

God had saved the Israelites from the Egyptians. Firstly with ten plagues and then finally by sweeping the whole of Pharaoh's army out of the way with the forces of the Red Sea cascading down upon them. It must have been a marvelous sight to see! And what did the Israelites do? They immediately broke out in song, singing praises to the Lord. They rejoiced in Him and praised His Name. It is wonderful that they immediately did that and we must follow their example and do just that when God does miracles in our lives.

But wouldn't it have been wonderful if they rejoiced in the Lord before He led them through the Red Sea too, instead of complaining to Him? And the same is true for us. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we can praise God no matter what our circumstances are? The Bible explicitly tells us to do just that. We need to praise God and exalt His Name, because of Who He is, not because of what is going on around us.

For example when Nehemiah came to Jerusalem to help rebuild the walls, it was not a very pleasant time in the lives of the Israelites living there. They were discouraged and they faced trouble on every side. And what did God tell them to do? He told them to find their joy in Him again.

'Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, "Amen! Amen!" as they lifted their hands towards heaven. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.' Nehemiah 8:6

"Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10

They praised God and their mood lifted. Verse 12 of Nehemiah 8 even says they started to celebrate with great joy! Wonderful.

Paul also encouraged others to rejoice in the Lord.

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

And it is amazing to note that when he wrote this he was in a Roman prison. He had everything humanly speaking against him, yet he rejoiced in God!

Also in Colossians 1:12 Paul encouraged believers to be full of joy no matter what:

"May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light."

Give thanks to God and sing His praises whether your circumstances are good or bad. I know it is a very difficult thing to do, but the benefits far outweigh your effort to do it!

I am going to end off with a song, 'I will praise You in the storm' from Casting Crowns as our prayer today.

"I lift my eyes unto the hill, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of the heaven and earth. Yes I will praise You in the 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 and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in the storm." Amen

Post a comment