Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Praise You in THIS Storm



I've always used this song to lift me up during my Lyme battle. I'm listening to it differently today. My ears that have heard the words that no granddaughter ever wants to hear. My eyes have seen what no granddaughter should ever have to see, but it's a fact of life. God gives and God takes away. If God had not given me such a phenomenal man as a Grandfather, it would not hurt nearly as much. I am thankful for the pain and tears. It's amazing how much I've grown in ten years. I cry because I miss the man that did everything in his power to make sure that everyone was fed and comforted. I've been grieving the loss of "this" man for a while, but the loss of his body is one that is almost too much to bear ... almost, but not quite.

The thing is I know he is no longer in any pain. He can breathe and he is finally HOME. A home he's been wanting for so long. The last three words out of Grandfather's mouth to me, "I love you." In his last moments with me, he wanted me to know how much he loved me. I am trying not to cry. He wouldn't want me to cry, but in part I cry out of joy. He's finally at home. God finally called him home.


Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus







"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me...to grant consolation & joy to those who mourn in Zion - to give them a garland of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, & failing spirit - that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61.1 & 3

3 comments:

Renee said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers Jennifer for the loss of your grandfather. He sounds like a wonderful man and blessing in your life. May God comfort you as your grieve the death of someone so dear to you. May your tears cleanse you and may your memories bring you joy.

Jennifer said...

Thanks Renee.

Pamela said...

Jennifer - thinking & praying for you in this hard time. I know it's hard to sometimes praise Him in our storm; you have a great attitude and will be rewarded for it. Blessings,