Praise Him In The Storm.

Story by Scotty Gray.

Although there is no specific verse in God’s word (there are quite a few songs), the concept is often stated.  Probably, the closest would be in psalm 46, which says, in part, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

Steve, a member of my church, has Lyme’s disease, and goes for days on end, or should I say: nights, where he is unable to sleep.  I’m sure that this wears him out to the point where both he and his wife Barb, can be really stressed.

I’ve oft told the story of Horatio Spafford, who in 1871, lost all of his commercial properties on the Chicago waterfront, during that city’s great fire.  2 years later, all four of his young daughters died when the ship they were on collided with another in the mid-Atlantic – only his wife survived.  On his way to meet her in England, his ship passed over the spot of the tragedy and he wrote the lyrics to one of Christendom’s most famous songs, It is Well With My Soul.

Let me go back to Steve, for perspective in what I’m going to say next – he has been dealing with his issues for years.  I too, have been dealing with a health issue, but not as severe or as long.  You’ve probably heard me talk about the pinched nerve in my back.  Actually, it has been something I’ve dealt with for about 3 years, and affects 3 different areas to varying degrees.  Sometimes it’s been minor, at other times significantly restricting my ability to do things.  Hearing about Steve’s troubles has been one of many reminders of how much worse things could be.  There’s Steve, my uncle Keith, my friend, doctor Ray, people with cancer, those who have lost their homes, their livelihood, family members to horrific accidents or illnesses…and even if I were to face these things in the future, I am reminded to praise Him, even then.  Why?  Because God’s word and his spirit constantly remind me that I’m on a journey, the glory of the destination of which will eternally outweigh any of the trials I face today.

I liken it to climbing a mountain.  Another Steve I know does this…although I still struggle a little with the “why?”  Steve starts out at base camp, where things are pretty comfortable.  He then trudges for long hours, up & down – mostly up of course – always into worsening conditions.  The camps they set up along the way on their 2, 3, 4, or up to 60-day climb, provide the most basic accommodations.  High temperatures averaging 30° with winds as high as 111 mph during the climbing season!  Again I have to question: why?!?  People like Steve know the answer; the difficulty of the climb is worth reaching the top.

And so it is with us.  No matter how difficult the journey, for Christians, we know the summit will not only be the reward at the end of the journey, we know we will never have to return to the mundane and oftentimes painful land down below.  Perspective – we Christians are offered perspective – able to see from the summit, even before we get there.  We can say to those coming behind, “this way!  I know that’s a tough spot, but you can make it!  Keep going!  it’s incredible up here – the view is amazing!!!”

So, when the world says that there’s no earthly reason, you know they’re right…but you have a better reason to praise him in the storm.

…and that’s something I was just thinking…on Q 90 fm.