No Matter Where I Am

“I'll praise You in this 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
You never left my side And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.”
Casting Crowns

Life does not always play out the way I think or hope that it should, the way that I pray that it will. Sometimes I am elated in life and then something happens that quickly depletes me and makes it harder to find the joy. I’m thrown from the mountaintop into the valley and all “normalcy” simple escapes me. All the things that I cling to in my daily life…like peace, patience, and control over my emotions, forgiveness, love and understanding…become tough to reach and test my strength, self-assurance, and ultimately, my faith. But then, I am suddenly reminded of who I am, what is good, and what is true. And that truth is, that God has a perfect plan for my life and He is in control through it all and God is good all the time. Even when it is hard, when I don’t understand, and even when it hurts, His way is best. The valley moments and the storms of life are going to come and knowing that does not make facing them any easier – they still hurt when you are in the midst of them! But, praise God. He is my comfort in all things. He hears the cry of my heart and offers sustaining grace, strength, courage, and a peace that surpasses all understanding. Amid the pain and hurt there is hope and reassurance in an almighty God! “I want settle for the ordinary things, I’m gonna follow Him forever and all of my days!” Even when it hurts, even when it is hard! “I will lift my hands, for you are who you are no matter where I am!”