By When I was a little girl, I was terrified of storms because where I grew up, thunder storms often turned into tornados, and tornados can be terrifying.
Sometimes the storms we face in life can be really scary too. Maybe you’re in the midst of a storm right now and you’re scared because you can’t seem to find any hope in the midst of hopelessness. Or maybe your storm in confusing, discouraging, angering, worrying. Regardless of the storm you’re facing, there is one way to experience hope, peace, and joy in the middle: praise.
Praising God in the midst of a storm is such a slap in the face to the enemy. Because though I don’t believe every bad thing or inconvenience or setback in life is from the enemy, I do believe we are vulnerable in the midst of storms. Just like you go to the basement during a tornado for protection, you need to protect yourself from the influence of the enemy when you are facing a storm. Praise is our protection.
Our natural tendency is to worry, fear, and doubt, but when we praise, we refocus on heart and mind on the goodness and faithfulness of God, even in the midst of the storm. Because He is faithful, regardless. It’s why we can praise Him no matter what’s going on in our life.
Praise is our protection.
And though you may still have negative feelings, when you choose to give them to God, it opens up space for you to receive what He has for you in return. Namely, His peace—peace so good and strong and way more powerful than the storm.
So in the midst of your storm—in the midst of your fear, anger, confusion, doubt, sadness, uncertainty—praise Him. Here’s three ways to do just that if you aren’t sure where to start (or aren’t sure if you even have the strength to):
Read about His faithfulness.
Sometimes we forget just how good, powerful, and faithful our God is. That’s one of the amazing things about having access to the Word of God: we have constant reminders of God’s character, how He’s moved, and His heart for us. Reading and remembering His faithfulness will ignite praise inside of you!
Praise Him.
Literally, sing praises to Him. In the midst of your storm, lift up His name in praise and worship. Singing songs of praise is a battle cry, and it’s how we can stay focused on the victory—because the God we praise is victorious. Not sure what to listen to? Start with this, this, and this.
Talk to an encourager.
Do you have someone in your life who can encourage you and uplift you during this storm? Reach out to them, and allow them to speak life and truth to you when you can’t speak it for yourself. Let them help you praise God in the storm.
Most importantly, remember God is faithful, even when we are faithless. Even when the world is against, God is for us. So choose to praise Him in the midst of your storm.
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Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
