Here We Go!

10 Ways To Praise God Through A Storm

1. Have Alone Time With God!

King David in the Bible had to encourage himself in the Lord. It’s ok to encourage yourself when storms arise! Grab some coffee or tea and breakfast! Then start off reading a devotional book. Then find and read a favorite Scripture passage. Make notes to remember what you read and what might have encouraged you. God gave His word to help, encourage, and guide. He loves you and me so much and wants the very best. One of my favorite Bible stories is in Genesis 37. It tells of the story of Joseph and his slavery and all that he went through was pretty much bad! But, God used it for good. Find a passage that encourages you!

2. Turn On Some Good Music!

Everyone should have this! I’m not talking about rap or country music either. I’m talking about healthy, soothing Christian music. Music with words to encourage and uplift you and get your eyes off of yourself and your discouraging circumstances. Music that also focuses on God! The point is to re-direct your thoughts and emotions from bad to good. (Put something good in place of the bad.) Music always helps to encourage me!

3. Pray!

Prayer doesn’t always have to do with talking to God. Sometimes it’s all about listening to His still small voice inside. What is He saying to you? Listen to Him. Sit and be still and hear what He has to say. He already knows what you’re going through. Even when you don’t feel or see it, He’s working! In addition, don’t be afraid to cry out to God. This helps too, if you have frustrations or unanswered questions. He wants to hear about them! Certainly, not because He doesn’t already know about them. His love is great and powerful. He is Abba Father! He wants to be by your side to help!

4. Listen To Some Podcasts!

A good podcast never hurt anything! There is a lot of encouragement that can come from a podcast. Whether it’s a women’s ministry, short devotional, or Scripture podcast. Fill your mind with good news! This is the key! You can even listen to one while driving. Many want to slump in thoughts of pity and sorrow. Maybe it helps someone feel better about the situation at hand. God doesn’t want you or me to stay there for long! Yes, life is so hard, I know, because I’ve been through some tough experiences too. Choose victory in your life! Go after it! Pursue it!

5. Get Some Rest!

Sometimes the best way to praise God, is to take a nap! I know this sounds kind of silly, but it may save your sanity in the long run. When you can’t figure things out: you’ve prayed, sang, listened, read, etc. and you can’t find the right answers. Your mind and body are tired! Tired of dealing with everybody and everything. Take a nap! Sometimes emotions and trials become so strong and you are so worn out from constantly dwelling on them. Maybe you’re mad at yourself or mad at the world or maybe ready to go into full rage mode. Don’t be hasty. The best thing might be, to take a rest, first. Even a 30 minute nap does wonders for your mind and body!

6. Read Or Listen To An Encouraging Book!

Clearly, it may be a book about what you’re experiencing or going through. If you’re dealing with something, chances are someone has already been through it too! God can use another’s story to help bring comfort, healing, advice, etc. There are so many books with encouraging and important truths in them. Pick out a great spiritual book and glean from it. You’ll be surprised at what you will learn! Maybe another friend could recommend a great book or even let you borrow one. If you don’t have time to read, an audio book is a great alternative. Remember, the key is, to fill your mind with healthy, spiritual thoughts.

7. Exercise And Clear Your Mind!

Exercise can do so much for you! If you’re stressed out or having health issues, try to get some exercise every week. Believe it or not, stress can wreak havoc on your body! You must give your body relief from all the turmoil and noise that may be inside of you. For example, you can shoot for a brisk walk around your neighborhood or on the treadmill. This may give you some quiet time to think, pray and praise God. Fresh air, oxygen and exercise will help your body detox. Everyday built up toxins can cloud your memory and cause depression and a host of other issues. Give your body some love and care!

8. Find A Spiritual Counselor!

For example, sometimes what you’re going through, is not enough to help the situation. You need help, period. This is not easy! Being a woman, it’s easy to put on a front, like everything is just fine. In reality, it’s not fine. In other words, it’s hard to admit help is needed! You may not know who to turn to and trust. This may be the hardest part about getting help. Look for someone who has helped you in the past or someone you really admire. Someone who will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. I know this may be difficult, but it may help set you on a good, solid road going forward! Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

9. In Every Thing Give Thanks!

I Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Often times, in the storms of life, it’s easy to forget to be thankful. I have struggled with this so many times, myself! My mind gets clouded with the chores of the day and whatever might be going right or wrong. No matter what the situation, I am to give thanks, for whatever I’m going through. Having a thankful heart is much better than having a sad heart. God inhabits the praise of His people. When you’re down and out, praise God for what He’s going to do in your life. Look forward, not backwards. Have faith in Him! Count your blessings!

10. Take Time Away!

I love vacations!! It makes me so happy and gives me something wonderful to look forward to! There are times, though, that you just need to get away. Maybe circumstances have become so unbearable or hopeless. Relax your heart and mind. Don’t be in a hurry to make the wrong decision! When having to deal with this “everyday flesh,” some things need to be considered, before doing. Plan a vacation! Don’t just go on a vacation and forget all your problems. You need to get away and make it a spiritual retreat. Pray and ask God for wisdom and direction. Hush the noise around you and spend quality time with God.