Storms

Recently the midwinter blahs have collided with one of the worst viruses of my life, and that lovely combo has intersected with an emotionally charged time. The result has been ugly. Although I'm generally described as a positive person, the last few weeks I have been positively negative. Under attack. My little boat is sinking, and more rough water lies ahead. Oh...did I mention that I have a 12 and 15 year old? Throw the unconditional love and support of hormonal teens into the mix...and...let's just say it's truly been a rough spell.


Thankfully I eventually remember to cry out to God when I am down and blue. This down and blue period pushed a little deeper...I couldn't see the way out or an end to the issues. (Poor health decreases my ability to cope) But of course God was still there, and although I'm still in the boat, and the sea is still rough, He has given me an attitude adjustment: Praise.


Our new ladies Bible study begins tomorrow night -- the one on developing a quiet time. The second chapter is entitled "The Principle of Adoration," and contains seven days of learning to adore the Lord. (Week one was the "Principle of Pursuit.")


Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6

Last week I felt well enough to begin puttering in our bedroom...it had definitely fallen into disarray, which just further discouraged me. The room is not quite "settled," and my books, especially, have not found their permanent spots. (I have a multiplying book problem, but that's fodder for another blog) In the chaos I came across the book, "The Prayer that Changes Everything" by Stormie O'Martian.

The book is about the power of praise. She relates that at times we go through hard seasons and we need ONLY to praise our Maker and think about Him and not ourselves. Just Him.

When God orchestrates things so that I get the same message from various directions I eventually stop and listen. Thus praise has become my lifeline. (That sounds so complete, but actually I've just begun to scratch the surface of the concept...)


Stormie's book is really blessing me. Let me share a little bit here:


The point was that God wanted me to take our relationship personally. I thought I had been doing that, but He wanted more. ... God wanted to have such free reign in my heart that I would allow Him to break it, pummel it, grind it into sand, and then make something new. That's because He wanted to do something new. ...When God has a hold of you, it's best to not resist.


She is so honest about her pain and the struggle she went through, even though she was strong in Christ even at the beginning of her dark days. The book contains 15 prayers for times "when praise is crucial," which are prayers of scripture woven together, as well as "15 Reasons to Praise God Now." I highly recommend the book...it's great to pray her prayers and look up the Scriptures for further meditation.


In addition to the study and the book, today at church our sermon was entitled "What to do in a storm." Isn't God incredible? It was my moment of Godlight for sure: Without a doubt God is caring for me and my pain from many directions. The storm is indeed here, but I'm not alone in the boat! (You can hear the sermon here along with other great sermons too from our pastor at New Day Church. )


Our worship team introduced a new song today. "Still" Here are the words:


VERSE 1:
Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand.

CHORUS:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God. I will be still and know You are God.

VERSE 2:
Find rest, my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust.


I'm starting to get the message. :) I'm a slow learner, but not totally hopeless.


Over a number of upcoming posts I will list some names and attributes of God, along with Scriptural references. It will be based on the list Stormie (what a name!) shares in her book.


And so, I go to bed encouraged. I've been reminded of the greatest love of all for this Valentine's week, and I'm going to not only pursue Him, I'm going to adore Him as well.