Praise You In This Storm

I've been thinking a lot lately... I keep feeling that if I were to look at my current circumstance, I would say...why should I be thankful this year. My hopes and dreams have been shattered to pieces. My child is no longer with me.

While I was pregnant, I thought about Thanksgiving, and how it would be the first holiday that we would share with our new "little man". I thought, "how appropriate". We were so thankful for him and thankful that God had given him to us. I could be bitter. I could resent God for taking him.

However, I've been thinking a lot these past few days, and even though my child is not with me physicaly, I do have so much to be thankful for. God allowed me to carry a miracle within me for 36 weeks. He allowed me to hold a beautiful angel in my arms. He showed me how precious life is, and how I should cherish every moment that I have. He has given me more to go to heaven for.

Someone said that thanksgiving is different from praise. I do agree, however I can't help but wonder, how can you have one without the other. If you are truly thankful for the things that God has given you (even if it was only for but a season) than you can't help but praise Him. So even when I don't undertand, even when it hurts beyond measure, I will still stand and give Him all the praise and honor He deserves.

Here are the lyrics to a song from Casting Crowns that says it so perfectly,

"Praise You In This Storm"

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

I remember when

I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to you

And you raised me up again

My strength is almost gone

How can I carry on

If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You 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

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