This afternoon I was sitting in my car waiting for someone and a new acquaintance came over to my car window to chat. Even though she is going through a difficult time with a family member, she was radiant. Her testimony is very enlightening. She has cried many tears over her difficult situation, but recently discovered how uplifting it is to read the Word of God. Now she is actually thanking God for her troubles at home because they caused her to discover a new, closer relationship to the Lord through reading scriptures. Instead of focusing on the trouble, she has allowed the trouble to focus her on God. As she discovers who God is through what He has written, she is being filled with faith. Her increased faith is carrying her through the trouble with peace and joy. She is truly a walking testimony of being salt and light. It was such a joy to see her radiate that peace as she spoke.
James 1:2-4
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfectly and fully developed (with no defects), lacking nothing.
Phillipians 4:6
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Years ago I remember complaining on the phone to my spiritual mentor about a terrible situation I was in. "Can you praise Him in the middle of this?" asked my mentor. Praise Him? What for, I thought. He could have prevented this mess! But over the years I am learning that we will get through the situation with much more peace if we trust that God is in the situation with us, even when we don't sense His presence. When we praise Him, we are trusting Him. When we praise Him in spite of our situation, we are entrusting the problem to Him. Besides, which way do you want to face your trials? With peace and joy, knowing that He has the solutions if we will draw near to Him. Or with anger, bitterness and resentment?
There are several scriptures that tell us that God is hidden in the dark clouds.
Can you praise Him in your storm today?
