I heard a song recently with lyrics something like this – don’t quote me! “I’m going to sing in the middle of the storm!” and this idea of singing in the midst of trouble has stuck with me.
When we find ourselves in times of trouble, it can be all too easy to let praise take a back seat. Our prayer life, if not full of complaining, turns into a set of demands to deliver us out of this trial. It is, of course, not wrong to ask the Lord to take difficulties away, we also must realise such trials have a purpose. No trial, no triumph.
This idea has had me reflecting on James’ words from his letter:
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
James 5:13 (NIV)
James puts it succinctly – if you’re happy, then sing, and if you have a problem, pray! What truly great advice! So simple, yet very profound too. We too often turn to complaining rather than prayer, and when we do find ourselves happy, we become occupied with the things of this life and don’t give God the attention He deserves.
What about singing in the storm though? James suggests praying in the storm, rather than singing right?
Clearly, the answer is yes, but I wonder if we are sometimes a little too clear cut. In the storm, it is entirely right to pray, as James advises us. Pray and pray, and keep on praying. But prayer is not simply asking God for things. Prayer is far greater than that, and our prayers should be made up of more than just definite requests (petition). I have said it before i’m sure, but our praise must always outweigh our petition when it comes to prayer.
So, once we’ve asked God for help in the middle of that storm, we turn to praise and thanksgiving. While the wind is blowing, and the rain is thrashing down, let’s raise our voices and worship Him. If the storm gets louder, so do we!
What storms are you facing right now? Pray about them by all means, and once you have, lift up your voice in song. You probably won’t feel like it, and it may be difficult, but as you turn your attention off of the storm and onto our wonderful God, you will find harbour.
Someone once said, “Don’t tell God how big your storm is, rather tell the storm how big your God is!”
Have a blessed day!
Andy Brown 
Great post Andy, it is one I can relate to. In my past health battles such as when facing surgery I found great encouragement and strength in praising God. A step further is to thank Him for the trial, the opportunity that it brings to seek Him and to share with others. Thank you for this precious reminder brother, may our Father bless you and the family this Lord’s Day.
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I’m singing in the storms right now, Andy! Blessings! Beautiful post!
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Thanks very much for your comment. I’ll be praying for you during your storm. May it be short lived, and I pray you’ll be singing in the sunshine soon! God bless you
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Thank you, Andy! Amen!
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