I felt led to share this, as I’m going through my own storm. I’m by no means trying to broadcast the details on what I’m currently going through, but I’m here to encourage those of you who are currently going through a rough patch.

Life isn’t always easy. Nearly all of us know this fact already. There are various storms and battles that we will face the longer we live. The good thing, however, is knowing that God is and will be there with us no matter what we go through. Similarly to the physical storm that Jesus and the disciples encountered while crossing the lake (discussed in the passage from the book of Luke mentioned above), God will calm whatever storm we are facing. He has in the past, so why would it be any different now? Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of all the things God has brought us through, especially when we hit a rough spot in our lives.

In some ways, some of the things I’ll be discussing in this post will be somewhat similar to what I’ve mentioned in my Dealing with Grief post from last December. I’ll try my best not to repeat myself, so I’ll likely include a bunch of links to that post. There are a couple of ways we can maintain and increase our faith in the midst of a storm. First, and foremost, we must spend time with God and stay connected to the church.

As I mentioned in the past, praising and worshipping God is one of my favorite ways to spend time with Him. Here are some songs that stood out to me while I worshipped God the other day. I pray that these songs touch, encourage, and strengthen your hope.

VERSE 1
Peace be still you are with me In this hope I abide
Jesus be my sustainer Strengthen me in this trial

CHORUS
And I know
It’s only for a moment
And everything is working For your glory
But I need
Your perfect love to hold me Safe within your promise
Till the storm has passed

VERSE 2
When this burden is lifted I’ll give thanks to your name But until it is finished
I’ll give praise just the same

CHORUS
And I know
It’s only for a moment
And everything is working For your glory
But I need
Your perfect love to hold me Safe within your promise
Till the storm has passed

BRIDGE (x6)
For we have this hope As an anchor for our soul You are with us
We will never be alone

Lyrics for this song was found on Elevation Worship’s website.

It can sometimes be a challenge to praise God in the midst of a storm, since our bodies are wanting to do the exact opposite. It is in those times when we NEED to praise Him. Praising God not only gets your mind off of your problems, but its magnifying God above your problems. It will remind you of all the miracles God has already done for you. It will remind you of the battles He has already conquered for you. And, if you let Him, He will calm this new storm for you. So praise Him in advance, even if things aren’t looking that great yet.

VERSE 1
You spoke the words let there be light and it was oh
And in that same breath the stars fell in line
With one voice creation cries
You do all things well(2x)

CHORUS
Be praised
Be praised
Be praised
Forever and always

VERSE 2
Lost in the dark up under the dirt
I was buried left to die
I heard your voice calling my name
From the tomb I came alive
You do all things well
From the tomb I came alive
You do all things well

CHORUS
Be praised
Be praised
Be praised
Forever and always

BRIDGE
When I think of all He’s done and all the battles you’ve brought me over
Hallelujah
For all the storms I saw him calm in my defense, my only song is
Hallelujah
And how He never let me fall, now unto Him who is able
Hallelujah
And let there never be a day that I don’t rise to bring you praise
Hallelujah

CHORUS
Be praised
Be praised
Be praised
Forever and always

I’ve posted this song last year on its own individual post and rightfully so. I don’t have the lyrics for this one, but they are actually quite simple. Please listen carefully and be encouraged today.

Here are some sermons that my pastors preached recently. I found them very encouraging and I pray they encourage you as well.