Celebrating the Freedom

Back in January 2008, Pastor Matt preached his "Revolution" series. During the second week of that series, he mentioned something that stuck with me:

It's ok to celebrate freedom before it comes.

I've been thinking about that a lot lately. I've been struggling through some pretty major things lately, and I know things have improved a lot over the past, but I also know that I'm still in the fight. I'm still not completely free from this.

But I know I will be free some day, and I'm learning to praise God now. I'm thanking Him not just for what He's already done, but what He is going to do.

I guess it's kind of a test of faith. Praising God and celebrating the freedom to come. In a way, it reminds us that there is hope. It gives us the strength to keep going, and it reminds us that God is still in control over our circumstances- even if we don't see the light.

I mean we kind of believe in "The sun will come out tomorrow." (Well, except for certain parts of the world at certain times of the year of course). We don't expect it to storm all the time. Eventually, the clouds will part.

So why not have that attitude of trust that the clouds in my life will part? Why not praise God for parting the clouds...even if it's still raining?

I know this is going to be tough. It's really hard to keep praising God for freedom that isn't in sight, but I'm going to try to just worship God no matter what. Whether I'm at a high or at a low. Whether I can taste freedom or I feel like it's been snatched away. Because I know that I will experience true freedom one day.

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.

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