Thanks and praise? Now?

 It’s hard not to focus on all the hurt, pain and suffering… it’s hard to rise up above its seemingly endlessness. It feels guilty to enjoy and rejoice in the more pleasant things. There is still an abundance of blessings from God’s heart and hand - and yet - if I wait for everything to calm down before I praise Him… if I don’t go to Him even in the bad times… I may never enter that peace that passes understanding. My stirred up soul will never find rest.

I know from John 16:33 that in this world there will be trouble. I don’t think anyone likes that verse…

But there are other verses promising strength for those weakened; hope for the weary; help for the heavy-laden; and a God Who promises to carry us through.

So even as our hearts are breaking, may we invite the Lord in to be our Comfort and to help us carry all this grief, sadness, and yes, anger. Lord, be the Light in the darkest dark. Don’t leave us alone and feeling helpless and so distraught.

May we start now giving thanks and praise to God - for the hope and help He offers.

Beginning with morning coffee

And the rising sun

Birds chirping

Cleansing breaths

and the ever present Father

Be merciful, O Lord.

Be gentle with us, O gracious God.

Thank You for hearing every kind of prayer.

Thank You for Your comfort.

Thank You for peace that passes understanding.

Thank You for light in the darkness.

Walk with us through this day…

Open our eyes, Lord. O God, we need to see You.

 Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? 

Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, 

for I shall again praise Him 

For the help of His presence.

O my God, my soul is in despair within me 

[the burden more than I can bear]; 

Therefore I will [fervently] remember You 

from the land of the Jordan 

And the peaks of [Mount] Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 

Deep calls to deep at the [thundering] sound of Your waterfalls;

All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.

Yet the Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,

And in the night His song will be with me, 

A prayer to the God of my life. - Psalm 42:5-8 AMP