Have you recently experienced a tough time in your life and you wonder how it would be possible to praise God in the storm? Read here for Bible verses about worshipping God in the middle of difficult circumstances. We’ve included a free printable 30 day Bible reading plan to guide you.
What Does it Mean to Praise God in the Storm?
Your storm might be a literal one, such as the hurricanes people experience in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean, or the wildfires in Montana, Oregon and California.
Your life storms might be emotional such as ongoing battles with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Financial difficulties
- Marriage struggles
- Parenting challenges or parenting children with special needs
- Caregiving, such as for aging parents
- Physical pain or chronic illness
- Grief and loss
- Addiction
Your storms might be spiritual if you feel continually attacked by the enemy or if you question God’s purpose for your life. No matter the type of storm, these verses and free Bible reading plan are for you.
A Challenge for Christians: Praise God Through the Storm
Notice that these verses aren’t about merely surviving through a storm or its aftermath, but it involves actually praising God in the midst of the storm.
Are you as challenged by this as I am?
My friend Chris shared with me the important concept of praising God in the midst of life’s storms. In the Old Testament, God’s people didn’t just trust Him, they actually praised Him right in the middle of tough, seemingly impossible situations. (See 2 Chronicles 20:1-30)
Read Chris’ articles for more on why we choose to praise God even in the storm:
- Storm Clouds Ahead: When Your Attitude Needs a Shift
- Storm Clouds Ahead: How to Prepare for the Storm
How to Praise God in the Valley
I’ll be the first to stay it’s not easy to praise God in the midst of life’s most challenging situations, and this is an area where I am continually growing as a Christian.
Here are specific ways to praise God during storms you are experiencing in your life right now:
- Praise God for who He is.
- Praise God for what he is done for you in the past.
- Praise God that He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
- Praise God knowing He has the resolution to your problem or situation already in the works.
- Praise God because it is your job (Luke 19:40).
- If you feel you can, praise God for the trouble you are experiencing.
What does it mean to praise God in the valley?
Praising God in the valley means giving thanks and honor to God during a low point in life.
Praising God during struggles does not mean you necessarily praise God for the difficulty going on, although it’s possible. I’ve read of people praising God for cancer or the death of a loved one. I admit I’m not in that place yet most of the time.
I’ve shared that some of my toughest life challenges are around my food struggles and journey to lose 100+ pounds. God has brought me so much healing. I can absolutely praise God for the ways He has brought me into peace and food freedom.
But praising Him FOR the trouble? Whew, that’s a high calling.
Remember, there is much sin in our world. God never desires evil or for bad things to happen to you, but in His goodness He works it out for your good. Do not blame God for your troubles or pain.
Practice Praising God During Trouble
Praise God each day as you read the Bible passages below. Download the free 30 day reading plan to study this topic further. Copy words of praise or journal your thoughts in a notebook.
Bible journaling is a fantastic, tangible way to praise God in the storms of life, and this reading plan works great for that practice. Check out our Trust in the Lord Bible Journaling kit which has everything you need for a full month of meaningful Bible journaling.
This Bible reading plan is FREE and can be used anytime. Print it to enjoy during your daily devotion time.
5 Top Verses about Praising God in the Storm
Here are five of the most impactful Scripture verses about praising God in hard times.
1. Psalm 34:1-7 – God saves you from all your troubles
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!I sought the Lord, and he answered me
Psalm 34:1-7
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
When you have time, read all of Psalm 34 to get a deeper understanding of how God your Father delivers you from troubles you are experiencing.
I love how this passage reminds me that God delivers me from fear. It’s easy to let anxiety creep in. I need continual reminders that God is in control.
Whatever challenge you are facing, it’s no surprise to God. He knew this would be part of your life and He’s prepared to see you through it.
2. Mark 4:35-41 – Jesus calms the storm
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark 4:35-41, ESV
My husband and I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Holy Land when we were in college. (In fact, we were engaged in Tiberias, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.)
Even though the Sea of Galilee isn’t that big, storms come in quickly over the mountains and catch boaters unprepared. You can picture how Jesus’ disciples were afraid for their lives, and then their amazement when Jesus calmed the storm with His hand.
What storm are your facing in your life today? Do you recognize that Jesus could calm it instantly with the lift of His hand? Pray for His deliverance right now, and believe in faith that He will work in your life according to His will.
3. Jeremiah 17:14 – Heal me O Lord and I shall be healed.
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Jeremiah 17:14
save me, and I shall be saved,
for you are my praise.
For the last couple years, I’ve struggled with major digestive issues. I was finally diagnosed with Sucrose Intolerance. Since starting treatment I’m doing much better, but for months I was stuck on the couch completely miserable. There were days I was in so much pain I was unable to function. Doctors had no answers.
During this time, I prayed for healing. I believed there was an answer out there and I would find it. I trusted God to deliver me.
This is still my prayer now. I trust that God will bring me total and complete healing from this diagnosis when His time is right. Until that time, I’ll continue to trust and believe.
If you are struggling with chronic illness, read these Scriptures about physical pain for further comfort.
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Give thanks in all circumstances
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Notice this passage says to give thanks in all circumstances, not just the ones we like. This is an important reminder that we are to continue praising God in the midst of storms, troubles, and tough times. This is God’s will for you.
If trusting God in hard times feels impossible, reflect on the fact that this passage says it’s God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. You don’t have to do this on your own. You do it by the power of the Holy Spirit working in you.
5. Hebrews 13:15 – Offer a sacrifice of praise
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Hebrews 13:15
When you praise God, you are bringing an offering to Him. When you speak the name of Jesus, that is worship to the Lord. Your praise to God is a beautiful gift that you bring before His throne.
Some simple yet meaningful ways to worship God include:
- Worship with other believers at church.
- Lighting a candle (such as at Advent) and saying a prayer.
- Singing worship music at home or in your car.
- Fasting (giving up something) as a gift to the Lord.
- Taking a walk through nature and telling God how much you admire His handiwork.
Praising God in the Storms – Free PDF Printable Bible Reading Plan
Get this free 30 day Bible reading plan here. The download includes both a color and black/white (printer-friendly) version.
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Have you found a way to praise God during the storms of your life? Please share about it in the comments.
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I can’t wait! ☺
I can’t figure out how to download the Bible reading plan mentioned in this post.
Hi Phyllis, please send me an email at [email protected] and we will help you get a copy.