Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Talk Tuesday- I Will Praise Him In the Storm - **NEW** VIDEO OF SONG ADDED

Life has many seasons. There are seasons of trial and seasons of victory. There are the mountaintop experiences and valley experiences. When one of my favourite aunts went to be the with Lord a few years ago, I remember hearing Casting Crown's song over and over again, “I Will Praise You in the Storm”. How fitting that was. The Lord has promised never to forsake us or leave us. That's a tall order. He has promised to be a refuge and a strength for us. He has even gone as far as to say that if we wait upon Him, He will renew our strength. I am not sure where you are today but I hope these verses encourage you. There is something so powerful about the Word of GOD. It is food for our souls. We need to be anchored in His Word, even when things 'seem' bleak. Remember, we are a people who walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT. Let's take the hand of our Heavenly Father, and let Him guide us through the often rough terrain of life. I confess...I write this to remind myself to keep on trusting in the LORD, regardless of how things look. He IS faithful. Keep your heart set on Christ and seek His face. In Him, you will find the fullness of joy. Oh, and one last thing...it's okay to be weak, that way instead of relying on yourself, you can just rest in His strength.
Blessings,
Natasha

I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; 
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” Psalm 16:11
But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1



9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome! So well written Natasha. Thank you.

Last night I was praying about something. This thing has been a prayer issue for about 15 or more years now. Honestly, I'm so exhausted in praying about this, but not only am I exhausted in praying, I don't even know anymore what to pray or even 'should' I be praying about it anymore? I don't even know what I should be feeling!! It's really a vicious cycle and I'm sure it's my own doing. In any event, I was led to 2 psalms last night.

After reading them, (and re-reading them) I asked my self the natural question we should ask ourselves: what do I think God is saying to me through these 2 scriptures that he's led me to? I think two things. 1/ He "has heard my weeping" (Psalm 6:8). No, I haven't been weeping physically, but boy have I been weeping inside over this.

2/ He will give me 'power and strength' (Psalm 68:35). That verse I found both curious and encouraging. Why 'power' and 'strength'. Is it just for emphasis that these words appear side by side or are they two different things that God gives to his people? I believe they are two different things. Strength -- the inner strengthening that I need inside me to keep pursuing and to keep praying and to keep going which God will give me for this thing. Power -- the outer working out of the circumstances surrounding the answering of this prayer that he knows I need and for which I seek. So in summary, I believe they are 2 different necessary elements God will give in order to bring this 'thing' about for me.

May God grant everyone else who is truly seeking him those same two things in your life: 'power' in your circumstance to change 'it' and strength in your inner person, to strengthen you!

Bless u!

Natasha said...

Wow, that is deep, Anonymous! Thank you very much for sharing that with me and the rest of our BGO family. I needed to hear that..."POWER" and "STRENGTH". I will read those 2 Psalms as well (Psalm 6 & 68). May the Lord continue to give us all the strength to persevere. May we also witness His POWER at work in our lives and in our circumstances.

Funny thing...when I first committed my life to JESUS CHRIST, I said a prayer while alone in my room. I invited Jesus to come into my heart, asked for the forgiveness of my sins and acknowledged His death and resurrection as truth. Then I asked Him to order my steps, make my path clear-direct me on how to walk. I fell asleep and in the middle of the night I was awoken by the words, "PATIENCE" and "PERSEVERANCE". I opened my eyes and heard them again. This was 14 years ago. The LORD was providing me with anchoring words for the journey that lay ahead. And now, as I feel weary, I am reminded even by your response...because in "PATIENCE" and "PERSEVERANCE" we will find GOD's "STRENGTH" and "POWER".

Thank you Anonymous!

Anonymous said...

Wow. That is really deep and..like a confirmation! Powerful anchoring words. It builds faith in me regarding what I experienced last night with my two words (portions of scripture) from God! Thanks for sharing that experience on those 2 words Natasha! Just one 'word' from God is powerful!! so TWO!!! More than I can handle! I've definitely got enough to chew on today!! Thanks for those 2 other words! Glory!

Amazed said...

Thank for this post, the timing couldn't be more timely. I am overwhelmed by my circumstances and these verses reminded me that I should stop looking to the problem and focus on the Provider.

Thanks again. I don't get to spend a lot of time on the site, but when I do and I am always encouraged and built up in my faith.

Thanks Natasha and Andrew for this amazing Christian Resource

Anonymous said...

ENCOURAGING! I really need that post! The Scriptures also are food to my soul. Thanks Natasha and God bless you and Andrew.

Anonymous said...

A few nights ago as sleep evaded me I said,'God, I know You are keeping me up because You want me to pray but what do I pray?' Immediately came the answer, "Pray for power and strength."
I have been facing some issues and have been praying about same for quite a long time but I have never prayed for 'strength and power.'
Anonymous, when I read your comment I was so comforted. I am now praying for strenght and power.
Thanks Anonymous
Thanks also Natasha and Andrew BGO is indeed a blessing

Uplifted said...

Thank you for this post and for all the replies. It really is encouraging - and to hear from others - affirmation that I'm not alone. Bless you all.

Natasha said...

God is merciful and loving. We are thankful to be His servants. It is only by grace as we all soldier on in Christ Jesus. May the Lord strengthen us as we journey each day with Him.

We posted the song, "Praise You in The Storm" as an add-on to this week's post. It has really encouraged me and I pray it will encourage you all too.

In His service,
Tash & Drew

Andrew said...

I could still remember sitting in a parking lot crying as I heard that my uncle had passed away. It was a hard year for Tash and I and as I wept this song began to play on the car stereo. This song gave me so much comfort. I have not listened to this song for some time but now I look back at it and wonder how could people live their lives without Jesus. When life's storms come at you who can help but the Lord. If you are going through a storm God is able to take you through it. Hold on.