Worshiping in the midst of pain

Lately, I have been thinking, pondering, and praying for those dealing with painful situations. I have especially been touched by my friends and loved ones dealing with cancer. Of all my life experiences, cancer was one that touched me and took a great hold of my life and spirit. It was my first real and painful battle of depression. It was very difficult for me to live a joyful, passionate, eager to see the next day kind of life. It was a very painful experience. In the midst of the pain, God used music to really speak to my soul. My husband is a worship leader and so the songs he would choose for our church to sing each week, really reached down to the core of me and break me. I have noticed, that some of the top songs and albums of this year's Christian song list, can touch those going through difficult times in so many ways. Their lyrics are very powerful and so are some of the stories behind these song artists.

Blessings by Laura Story: It talks about God's mercies in disguise. The music and lyrics are lovely.

"Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"



I loved reading the stories behind the songs. Here is Laura's personal story about her husband and creating this song.



"What does it look like when I spend years praying for healing for my husband that never comes? I feel like we’ve gotten to a place of having to make a choice- are we going to judge God based on our circumstances that we don’t understand? Or are we going to chose to judge our circumstances based on what we hold to be true of God? I’m learning that every morning when I wake up, to choose to trust God. And that’s what “blessings” is about. It’s just considering… MAYBE THE BLESSING IS ACTUALLY FOUND IN THE ABSENCE OF THE THING THAT I’M PRAYING FOR."


I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin: Another powerful song about crying out to God who is our refuge and strength and who is faithful and full of grace. The pictures used in Tomlin's video for this song are touching. It shows a little boy being treated in the hospital. Wearing a mask, doing a breathing treatment and riding around on his hospital bike. I can really relate to this little guy. As a child, there is so much trust and hope in one's future. As an adult, I can relate to Tomlin's words of just pouring out our hearts to God and allowing Him to hear our cries for mercy. "Let Faith Arise"

Psalm 28:2 "Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. "