Stormy Thoughts

I am considering walking on water.

I mean, not me doing that nifty little miracle, but the Gospel lesson for next Sunday that recounts Jesus walking on water. And Peter trying to. And going all panicky. And having to get fished out by Jesus. (Me? I'd still be clinging to the boat, freaking out)

So I was looking around at my usual internet spots for inspiration to prepare for tomorrow's text study, and came across a blog that had a link to a Casting Crown's song. This is a Christian band that I'm not all that familiar with, but I was touched by the song, and thought, "Hey, I'll check them out on YouTube, and see if they have something that connects with this Sunday's theme." Aren't you so glad you get to hear my internal dialoge?

Well, I just finished about 30 minutes of listening to their songs and BAWLING my eyes out because they are so incredibly moving and I'm such an emotional rollercoaster this week (you girls all understand). Their songs are so powerful, about forgiveness, and crying out to God in our pain, and not being judgemental, and not shutting out people who aren't like us, and so on. Powerful! I have so been out of modern Christian music ever since my daughter was born, so they were new to me.

I don't think my foray into YouTube necessarily helped me with walking on water, but it definately touched me in a deep soulful way tonight. Which walking on water certainly did for Peter. And for the rest of the disciples for that matter! There's one Casting Crowns song, Praise You in this Storm, which I think will make its way into my reflections this week and perhaps my sermon this Sunday.

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.

Chorus:
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

Chorus

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

Chorus