I Will Praise You in the Storm

 

It’s been some time since I’ve been to a great Christian contemporary music concert, especially since attending those events was a routine for my husband and I back in the day.   So, I was enthused that we were going to see “We the Kingdom” and “Casting Crowns” on Monday night.  We were a group of ten in the packed HEB Event Center.

Back in our day, we were the Master's IV Quartet, so we loved performing and attending the gospel quartets events. There was little fanfare – only a piano, a guitar or two that accompanied thei singing. Just good old gospel music that packed a punch in the delivery of God’s faithfulness.

Fast forward to 2022 when we were enamored by the great acoustics in that huge event center, including pyrotechnics lighting, dramatic sets on screen, a smoke machine, confetti blowing out, and many instrumentalists. Not since we saw Celine Dion’s show in Las Vegas have I seen such a display.

  

My grandson’s girl friend and her family joined us, including her precious little 2-year old nephew.  They were apprehensive as to whether it would be too loud for him.  But, no, the entire three-hour concert kept him mesmerized, including staying busy picking up confetti off the floor and throwing it up in the air.

I wonder if this is what Jesus meant when He said “And greater works than these will you do, because I go to the Father.” (John 14:12).  Probably not exactly, but thank God, getting the Gospel message out in every way we can is what is happening today. 

It may seem theatrical at times with a stage presence that captivates us.  Of course, that’s the expectations.  They are entertainers.  But, when I hear the artists talk about their pasts without God and their new life with God and the difference it made – I can only thank God for those who serve Him in their talents with the desire for lives to be transformed.  Life transformations since they arose out of seasons of darkness.  Their comeback stories inspire and encourage us with “Nothing is impossible with God!”

Lead vocalist of Casting Crowns, Mark Hall, shared that he had cancer a few years ago and is completely healed today.  He wrote the song “Praise You in This Storm" from his own “stormy season” and while watching a young mom’s daughter pass away from cancer and her walk through a real storm when trusting God in the most difficult situations is possible. When he sang this song, it was from a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. 

I was encouraged to not only share my appreciation for God’s message of faith and love that I enjoyed at this concert, but I share this song with you today – to pay it forward.  You may be going through a storm right now of monumental proportions.  It is possible to praise God in the storm.  I pray you will be encouraged by this song and its words. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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

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