In the Midst of the Storm, Praise and Worship is the Norm

“God stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.”
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The nation has been witnessing too many harrowing storms. While a community is still rebuilding, another threatening tempest is forthcoming. Trauma, fear, anxiety are everywhere and uncertainty grips the future. The people mutter distress, confusion and frustration while seeking help especially from the government that swore to oversee their well-being and protect its citizenry. Many Filipinos struggled and some have started to complain. A lot of people prayed but some still trusted their own strength and instincts.
 
We have the Almighty God who sits on the throne in heaven and never abdicates His position of power. When He speaks, all of creation quiets down and listens. Even the strongest of typhoons in the east and hurricanes in the west are stilled to a whisper whenever He moves. With these things in mind, we  must be led to fully trust Him and humble down to honor, worship and utter praises to our Great God. We are reminded that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put our confidence in men. The people that we look up to have limitations and their words or actions may fail us but God never will. Therefore, let us praise to give thanks and worship Him - honor Him for His unfailing love and for His wonderful deeds for mankind.
  
Praise and worship should be the norm in the midst of the storms that we are experiencing. Whenever we praise and worship Him, we acknowledge that He is supreme and very much in control over our lives. Moreover, praise and worship rejects fear; instead, we enter into a triumphant life that is full of faith as God inhabits the praises of His people. As He dwells in our midst, He rises to scatter the enemies - seen or unseen. That’s why we can boldly say that if He is for us, who and what can be against us? Further, praise and worship expresses how grateful we are to Him. We start to shut down complaints, ungratefulness and murmurings that attract the spirit of death. Whenever we praise and worship God, inner peace, everlasting joy and tangible hope will flood our innermost being resulting to a life lived in confidence. We can walk victoriously. Oh, we can proclaim that we are more than conquerors!
 
The next time storms threaten your life, rise up to praise and worship God.
Therefore strong peoples will honor you;
    cities of ruthless nations will revere you.
You have been a refuge for the poor,
    a refuge for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the storm
    and a shade from the heat.
 
(JVS, CRFV)