Last night during some of the storms the program I was watching on TV was interrupted by local weather reports. Instead of changing the channel to another program, I was playing around on Facebook reading about some of the damage that had occurred in other areas, downed trees and even those who were without power.

One of the posts captured my attention because I have thought about this myself on many occasions, especially in times of tragedy. When storms occur many will give thanks and mention they are blessed because their home was not damaged and their family was not injured or killed during the storm. Meanwhile, down the road a home was completely destroyed, a young child was injured and the mom was killed, maybe even protecting her child. Was this family not blessed as well?

Looking to the book of Job in the Bible, we will see that he was a very blessed man, with wealth, large family and health. However, he lost everything including his family and his health. Still, he did not turn against God, even as his so-called friends encouraged him to do.

The scripture below was used Sunday in a sermon at First Methodist and I do think it applies here as well.

The apostle Paul reminds us as he speaks to the church at Philippi:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

So in all things that occur in our life, we know God is near, we are not alone, we do not have to be anxious and worry about things that are out of our control. We pray for protection and for God to be with us during our trials and tribulations.  Even when we find it hard to understand how our prayers are answered, His peace and love are always there for us, even if we do not always want to accept the outcome. Surrounded by His peace and love, there is never a doubt that we are blessed, no matter what happens in our life and whatever may come our way.

As the lyrics from Casting Crowns reminds us:

I’ll praise you in the storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who You are, no matter where I am.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.