Still I will praise You

WOW!

That's really all I should have to say today, but you know I want to say more. Corporate worship this morning at church was something else! God's presence was so real and so sweet. It kind of puts me to mind of Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration saying " it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters", Luke 9:33. I don't think Peter wanted to leave a good thing and that's how I felt this morning. Let's just set up camp here and keep this thing going.

The song that really spoke to me over and above the rest was, "You Never Let Go (Even Though I Walk)" by Matt Redman and Beth Redman. The lyrics of that song just really spoke to me where I'm at today. It reminds me a lot of Psalm 23, actually. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death". Certainly feels like that's where I am some days, but the Chorus ... oh the Chorus, that just lifts me up.
"And I will fear no evil,
For my God is with me.
And if my God is with me,
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go,
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go,
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me."

And then in the Bridge:
"And there will be an end to these troubles,
but until that day comes,
Still I will praise You,
still I will praise You."

This song is pregnant with truth and promises. Poignant reminders that God will never let go of me, regardless of the storms I may encounter. Promises that there will be an end to today's troubles and a commitment to continue praising God. It's easy enough to praise Him when the sun is shining and all is well. Some days, when it seems as though staying in the valley of death would be easier than walking through it's shadows, it's hard work to praise God. Some days, I just don't feel like praising Him at all ... and that's where the commitment comes in. "Still I will praise you"! I will praise You, God, for Who you are. I will praise You for what You have already done in my life and in others. I will praise You for what You have promised to do. I WILL praise You! Even when it's hard work. Even when everything in me wants to scream, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me", I will praise You. I will praise You with tears streaming down my face, not because of how I feel but because of what I know to be truth. I will praise You because You and You alone are worthy of my praise.

Still I will praise You!