Praising God When Things Are Falling Apart

When things are going great, it's easy to feel all warm and fuzzy about our faith. 

When the wind is at your back and the sun is on your face, you can easily look back and see that life has not been some random toss of the dice, but rather God has been at work throughout your days working God's good will and purpose.  

But what about when circumstances turn for the worse?  What happens in times of tragedy and tear stains?  What about when you are struggling to overcome anxiety, dread, fear, doubt or depression?

How do we hold on to our hope that God is keeping us, holding us and protecting us in those moments?  

I was reading from Psalm 46 today, and these words landed on me:  

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam

    and the mountains quake with their surging...

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The psalmist here paints a vivid picture of the child of God standing firm in the midst of tumult, disaster and calamity.  He offers a vision of a transformed world--free from war, strife and anything else that might cause us to fear and doubt.  

Then he shares the word of God which offers this command:  "Be still and know that I am God."  When everything outside of us seems to be falling apart... When everything within us is collapsing...  we have no cause for alarm, no reason to fear because our God is with us.  

The same God who created the universe, who holds sway over the chaos in this world and in your spirit is still in control and always will be.  All you need to do is be still, slow down, allow yourself to see and to hear.  

Because even when the wind is blowing hard and freezing rain in your face, you can find peace in the knowledge that the Sustainer of the universe will not let you fall.  

May you find moments today to be still and know that God is God and you are not.  May you find courage in the midst of the trials and tribulations you face.  May you praise the Lord even when things seem to be falling apart--knowing that your God is with you.  

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.