Praising Him in the Storm

The past week has been filled with many sorrows. My father-in-law being diagnosed with leukemia, a student of mine brother was killed in front of him by an unfortunate event and my student hasn't come back to school in 6 days, another student of mine mother has passed away and right after his father left them, tragedies in school shootings, and so on. It's really easy to get down from all the bad news. I have had the Casting Crowns' song, "Praise You in the Storm" constantly going on in my head through these hardships and it has comforted me. Because even though there are hard times, God is still in control and is holding us in His arms. We must praise God in the good times and the "storms" in our life. There is hope.

Here are the lyrics:

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.

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

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