The first flood tried to break us.
The second flood tried to destroy us.
But …
The first flood gave rise to our resilience.
And the second flood gave rise to our defiance.
Like Job, we refuse to cave and abandon our faith. We will not forget God’s provision, peace, and fulfilled promises.
Our praises are precious because they are forged in suffering.
Our “hallelujahs” are battle cries against the world and its disappointments.
Our “amens” entrust our unknown futures to His capable hands.
Rev. Katie Toalson said recently, “Worship never stays private for very long.”
Our praise moves outward like the river escaping its banks. It invades lives like the creeks that breached neighborhoods.
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.psalm 34:1-7
Our testimony is not just resilience. It’s defiance. It’s our insistence on praising and serving Him from the depths of this valley. We will stand on hilltops and sing joyful songs again; but for now, we will stand with raised arms and tears running down our cheeks uttering broken hallelujahs.
Still, we worship You.
Defiantly HIS,
Nicki
