Praise to the Lord Who
  When tempests their warfare are waging
Who when the elements madly around thee are raging
Biddeth them cease turneth their fury to peace
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

Listen to this modern version of this majestic hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Tempests War-Waging

I have never been on the ocean when the waves were cresting higher than the ship I was in. I marveled at scenes from the movie The Perfect Storm and the like with the way they represented the sheer power of the surging water. It is terrifying.

But so can be the other tempests that storm into our lives. Whether they are emotional, mental, spiritual or some other kind they can leave us feeling absolutely powerless against them. Like me you may have never been tossed around by the oceans waves, but you have undoubtedly found yourself at the mercy of some other tumult.

What do you do when you find yourself in such an unenviable place?

Soul God-Praising

Praise to the Lord Who When tempests their warfare are waging 

The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty! Psalm 93:3-4 ESV

Now we contrast the obvious might of the stormy tempest with that of the Lord. There really is no comparison, but when you find yourself staring into hurricane force wind it can be easy to forget God is far mightier.

What storms are you facing today? What tempests are waging warfare on your mind, heart and soul? The writer challenges us to continue to give praise to the Lord Who is over all those things and with us in the midst of them.

RESONATE! 
Take a few moments and consider how you will respond the next time a tempest roll into your life. Determine to praise God when the waves assail. Make this your simple prayer “Lord, help me praise you in the storm.” 

Elements Raging

Whether wave or wind, earthquake or lightning, fire or ice we have all faced forces that are insurmountable. We have each experienced trauma relationally or physically, either personally or in someones life we know and love, that has left us at a loss for where God might be in all of it. The idea that God Who is everywhere might not be “in” something is both a challenging concept to grasp and a comfort for our souls.

Some things we experience make it hard to reconcile with a loving God. The idea that God would allow something but not be in it can be a bit of a mystery, but one that can actually help us reconcile some of our consternation for things that happen to us and the ones we love. Can you wrap you mind around the fact that God could allow the elements to rage around you but possibly not be in that raging, somehow allowing but not creating?

It can very difficult to hear God in the midst of those things.

God’s Voice Hearing

Who when the elements madly around thee are raging 

And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. 1 Kings 19:11b-12a ESV

Elijah had an encounter with elements, madly, raging around him. Interestingly, the scripture makes very clear the Lord was not in those. Instead He revealed himself through a low whisper. Power on display through a still, small voice.

Fleeing from a different kind of tempest, Elijah found himself standing at the mouth of a cave, listening for God. God was not in the wind, the earthquake or the fire. We often wonder where God is in the midst of similar things. We must continue to listen for Him.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and ponder how God might be speaking to you today. Maybe the elements, or some other things, are raging. Pray this simple prayer, “Father, help me listen for You. “  

Jesus, thank You for being present even if you are not in some things. Thank You for giving me another way to conceive of Your activity. Help me to learnt o listen when you are speaking in a low whisper. In Jesus’ name. 

Perceptive Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 55.4 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Praise to the Lord Who
  When tempests their warfare are waging
Who when the elements madly around thee are raging
Biddeth them cease turneth their fury to peace
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging

What storms are you facing today? What tempests are waging warfare on your mind, heart and soul? The writer challenges us to continue to give praise to the Lord Who is over all those things and with us in the midst of them.

Lord, help me praise you in the storm.

Fleeing from a different kind of tempest, Elijah found himself standing at the mouth of a cave, listening for God. God was not in the wind, the earthquake or the fire. We often wonder where God is in the midst of similar things. We must continue to listen for Him.

Father, help me listen for You. 

When Jesus spoke to the storm it seems He raised His voice. How is God speaking into the storms of your life? Is it the still, small voice from the cave or the shout from the boat on the waves? God is speaking. Ask Him for the ability to hear Him.

Jesus, help me hear Your voice.

How do you imagine God will make your current or future storms less intense? Will He calm them? Will He give you the ability to see He is not in them? Maybe He will show Himself as a refuge or strong tower. He will be your very present help in time of trouble.

God, help me to run to you in the tempest.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Praise to the Lord Who
  When tempests their warfare are waging
Who when the elements madly around thee are raging
Biddeth them cease turneth their fury to peace
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Listening for God’s Whisper Through Violent Weather appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Praise to the Lord Who When tempests their warfare are waging –https://pixabay.com/photos/tall-ship-nautical-ocean-sea-4624004/
Who when the elements madly around thee are raging –https://pixabay.com/illustrations/lightning-storm-tempest-magical-7640156/

Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper
  Thy work and defend thee
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
  If with His love He befriend thee

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

Listen to this modern version of this majestic hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Provision

Abundance. That is what God allows and protects.

This does not mean to say all the believer ever knows is protected abundance. Hardly. But when we experience prosperity and protection we are able to see it as flowing from God’s good hand.

Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper
  Thy work and defend thee 

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV

Blessing and Defense

Either one of these demonstrations of God‘s power are worth their own stanza at the very least, but there is so much that could be said about him that they are simply used as demonstrations of His faithfulness. Which one of them are you more thankful for today?

What have you done that God has prospered or established? God will bless your work in this way and protect you personally. Does this make you wonder if we have some part in that? We do. We should praise him for the things He has done and the things His is doing. In large part, that is our work.

RESONATE! 
Take a few moments and consider all the ways God has provided and protected you. How have you responded? Make this your simple prayer “Lord, thank You for the work of praise.” 

Daily Care

So does that mean that we never experience lack or harm? No. We live in a fallen broken world. Even when we are reminded of the condition of creation we can rest in the knowledge that our Lord is like a shepherd, father and doctor when we need Him. Jesus has pity on us when he shows us mercy because of our suffering.

He guides us through dark valleys, leads us beside refreshing pools, and restores our weary bodies, physical and otherwise. In those moments we know His love for us sometimes even better than when the abundance is overwhelming.

Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 ESV

Dwelling

As we long forward to our eternal home with God, we are confident of his goodness and mercy every day. Are you careful to arrange your days so that you can have this confidence? What are you doing to develop your ability to see his goodness and mercy on display every day?

When we are faithful to engage in that labor, we learn to dwell in the presence of God, a place where His goodness and mercy readily flow to us. Where are you living? Is your life marked by a conscious awareness of the presence of God? Learn to dwell.

There is nothing quite like weakness or infirmity to bring us to a place of desperation. When we realize we must look beyond ourselves for care, whether it be a physical, emotional or relational need, we find ourselves in a place to receive. Humble yourself to arrive at the that place and let Jesus, shepherd and care for you.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and think about the care God has shown for you. Think about how you have known HIs goodness and mercy today. Pray this simple prayer, “Father, teach me to dwell.“  

Jesus, thank You for the prosperity, protection and pity You show me at just the right time and in just the right way. You are so good to me. May that mercy fill my life with praise every day. In Jesus’ name. 

Diligent Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 55.3 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper
  Thy work and defend thee
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
  If with His love He befriend thee

What have you done that God has prospered or established? God will bless your work in this way and protect you personally. Does this make you wonder if we have some part in that? We do. We should praise him for the things He has done and the things His is doing. In large part, that is our work. 

Lord, thank You for the work of praise.

When we are faithful to engage in that labor, we learn to dwell in the presence of God, a place where His goodness and mercy readily flow to us. Where are you living? Is your life marked by a conscious awareness of the presence of God? Learn to dwell.

Father, teach me to dwell.

What do you think about when you aren’t thinking about anything? When your mind trails off the task that is right in front of you, what do you find yourself daydreaming about? What you think about tells you what your value, but you can also teach yourself what is valuable by training your mind to ponder.

Spirit, help me to routinely call to mind the things of God.

Did you notice the word “if”? Is it possible for God to not befriend me? To befriend means to offer help or support. God wants to show his love to all, but not all are ready to receive it. If you have give Him thanks. If you have not ask yourself why.

Jesus, help me to receive your love.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper
  Thy work and defend thee
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
  If with His love He befriend thee

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Meet the One Who is Reigning and Sustaining appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Praise to the Lord Who doth prosper
  Thy work and defend thee – https://pixabay.com/photos/abundance-of-fruit-severin-roesen-867856/
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee –https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-good-shepherd-merciful-father-1603691/

Praise to the Lord Who over all things
   So wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under His wings
  Yea so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

Listen to this modern version of this majestic hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Wonderful Rule

The way God rules over all should create a wonder in our hearts and minds. What is it about His rule that is so wonderful? Wonderful is a mingling of surprise and admiration.

What is wonderful about the way God rules is the mixture of the greatest by which He is over all and the personal way which He reveals that to us. Granted, not everyone who grasps that greatness of God comes to understand this on a personal level, but for those who do the first and most genuine response is likely and often…wonder.

Praise to the Lord Who over all things
   So wondrously reigneth

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV

We praise God because He is the sovereign, providential King reigning over all things. He owns them all and wondrously displays His authority and care as our benevolent Ruler. Give Him praise!

Rightful Response

That great and all, but we must find a way to experience it on a personal level. Otherwise , it does not really change us. The wonder is generated through an intimate knowledge of God, and that a gift from Him.

How is God reigning over your life today? How are you aware of His providence and care for you? Maybe you are looking for what you do not yet have instead of focusing on all the things you do, all the things He has provided. Take a moment and consider recount just a few.

RESONATE! 
Take a few moments and consider all the ways God has revealed Himself to you. He is reigning over you right now. Make this your simple prayer “Lord, I recount your provision for me.” 

Sustaining Shelter

Have you ever needed shelter? I was once on a long hike with my boys as a storm approached. We were about halfway along the trail when the clouds opened up. The path became a stream and we had no choice but to finish.

We climbed into the van drenched, even dripping. Though we created a lasting memory, we were thankful for have found shelter from the storm, like snuggling under the feathers of a wing. It was not possible to be any more wet than we were, but we still were glad for the respite.

Wings of Refuge

God provides that shelter in the midst of the storm. Sometimes we are aware, but often we are not. Our awareness does not change the reality of God’s sustaining shelter.

Shelters thee under His wings
   Yea so gently sustaineth

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. Psalm 57:1 ESV

The writer contrasts the powerful image of God ruling and reigning over all to a gentle one of incredible, intimate care. God shows His mercy to us by offering protection and sustenance when things are threatening to destroy. Recall the last time you snuggled in such a sweet spot.

One of the kindest expressions of His love for us is keeping us safe when trouble comes. Sometimes we have invited it and other times we have not, yet when we draw near to God we experience the tenderness of His sustaining shelter. My boy and I were thankful for the shelter of our van. Thank God for the shelter He provides to you.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and think about the shelter God has been for you. He gently sustains us by His grace more often than we realize. Pray this simple prayer, “Father, thank You for Your sustaining shelter.“  

Jesus, thank You for Your good work in me that prompts my praise. Every bit of it reminds me of the power at work in making me, and remaking me. I am humbled by that work, and the opportunity to echo the praise that is due Your name alone. In Jesus’ name. 

Reverent Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 54.2 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Praise to the Lord Who over all things
   So wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under His wings
  Yea so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

How is God reigning over your life today? How are you aware of His providence and care for you? Maybe you are looking for what you do not yet have instead of focusing on all the things you do, all the things He has provided. Take a moment and consider recount just a few.

Lord, I recount your provision for me.

One of the kindest expressions of His love for us is keeping us safe when trouble comes. Sometimes we have invited it and other times we have not, yet when we draw near to God we experience the tenderness of His sustaining shelter. Recall the last time you experienced it and thank Him.

Father, thank You for Your sustaining shelter.

Have you seen God grant your every desire? No? What do you imagine the issue might be? Is God stingy? Maybe He is incapable of providing for some of our desires. Sounds ridiculous if He truly is Ruler over all things, right? So maybe He isn’t. Or maybe the issue is my desires. 

Spirit, help me desire the things You want for me.

If aligning our desires with God’s is really the issue, and it is, then how do we even begin to make the necessary adjustment? Can we even desire different things or are we just broken? Yes we can and yes we are, but God’s will is to help us desire better by finding rest in His provision.

Jesus, change my desires by changing me.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing once more.

Praise to the Lord Who over all things
   So wondrously reigneth
Shelters thee under His wings
  Yea so gently sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Meet the One Who is Reigning and Sustaining appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Praise to the Lord Who over all things
  So wondrously reigneth – https://pixabay.com/photos/crown-gold-royal-luxury-golden-2661334/
Shelters thee under His wings
  Yea so gently sustaineth – https://pixabay.com/photos/blue-feather-bird-macaw-background-6959585/

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, The King of creation
O my soul praise Him For He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear now to His temple draw near
Praise Him in glad adoration

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
By: Joachim Neander 1680, trans. Catherine Winkworth 1863

Listen to this modern version of this majestic hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.

Below is video content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Please enjoy this video and the transcript below.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you receive and then issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s tune our hearts.

Responding and Re-Issuing

Ever feel like you are the only one wanting to give God glory? Maybe you can empathize with the old, beleaguered soul above, sitting alone in an abandoned sanctuary. What do you imagine brought Him here? A sense of duty, or possibly delight.

Once you have tasted the joy of giving praise to the One who made you and everything else you have ever seen it can be difficult to turn back, even if no one else will go with you. But it is possible, right? To become one of those souls that is no longer warming the pew. Coming back to the reasons for our praise is a helpful discipline and this opening lines gets us off to a good start.

Reiterate

The hymn is giving us an opportunity to offer the call to worship even as we respond to it. There are always these two directions in worship, horizontal and vertical. Here, having heard the horizontal call, we echo it even as we declare the command for others to join us.

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, The King of creation

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Psalm 150:1-2 ESV

This entire hymn is a call to worship, or maybe more accurately a command to worship, supported by a careful and fairly comprehensive list of all the reasons why we should. We start with His position over all, having made all, Almighty King of Creation. Praise Him!

RESONATE! 
Take a few moments and consider the activity of the Almighty, King over all creation, the Maker and Re-maker of everything. Praise is the only appropriate response to Who He is. Make this your simple prayer “Lord Almighty, help me extend the call to worship.” 

Restored and Redeemed

Before the call can be issued to others, we must first respond to it ourselves, and that response begins internally when we choose to give praise to God for the good work He has done in our souls and our bodies. We must praise God for health and salvation, not only because it is right and fit to do, but also because doing so ushers that work of grace into us anew.

Because our souls change their loyalties, interests, and affections frequently, it is always a good idea to remind them how to exercise those passions. Having made us, God provides for everything we need for health and salvation. Meeting every craving of soul and body. 

Return

Come back to the Source. Our wandering appetites invite no shortage of maladies. God provides a balm for every one. He is that remedy.

O my soul praise Him For He is thy health and salvation

Of David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!…who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, Psalm 103:1, 3 ESV

This next line echoes the admonition of David to His soul in response to the twofold work of God in restoring health to it as well as the body. We often need this remedial refresher: Praise God as Healer and Savior.

RESONATE
Take a few moments and think about the Source of all good things. What evidence of health and salvation are yours today as an expression of the benevolence of God? Pray this simple prayer, “Jesus, thank You for my health and salvation.“  

Jesus, thank You for Your good work in me that prompts my praise. Every bit of it reminds me of the power at work in making me, and remaking me. I am humbled by that work, and the opportunity to echo the praise that is due Your name alone. In Jesus’ name. 

Reverent Tuning!

Keep coming back, and we will work to help you remove the things that may hinder your longing for His return by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. We will help you tune your heart to live out your worship by providing resources like this to help you acknowledge the greatness of God as you become more Resonant, 7 days a week.

Like what you’re finding here?  Fill out the form to the right to get an email with each fresh post and updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Please comment below and share if you have found this helpful in your journey of being more resonant.

Video 55.1 Transcript

Welcome to Tuesday Tunings at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s tune our hearts.

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, The King of creation
O my soul praise Him For He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear now to His temple draw near
Praise Him in glad adoration

The hymn is giving us an opportunity to offer the call to worship even as we respond to it. There are always these two directions in worship, horizontal and vertical. Here, having heard the horizontal call, we echo it even as we declare the command for others to join us.

Lord Almighty, help me extend the call to worship. 

Before the call can be issued to others, we must first respond to it ourselves, and that response begins internally when we choose to give praise to God for the good work He has done in our souls and our bodies. Praise God for your health and salvation.

Jesus, thank You for my health and salvation.

We can worship God in the quietness of our soul but that is simply not enough. We must gather with others and join together to offer the glory due His name. Do you have a group of Christians that you join with regularly to worship God? If not, find one soon.

God, thank You for calling me to worship with others.

Not just adoration, glad adoration. Adoration that you are pleased, even delighted to offer. God wants us to be able to find great joy in offering our praise, and to do so with others. This communal character of our worship is a dimension of what makes us glad. Join in, and soon.

Spirit, make my adoration glad, and in a group.

Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has surfaced in your heart, or just listen to what He is saying to you, then we will sing the refrain..

Praise to the Lord the Almighty, The King of creation
O my soul praise Him For He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear now to His temple draw near
Praise Him in glad adoration

Take the awareness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond.  Until next time, Be Resonant.

The post Finding Your Place in the Praise appeared first on Resonant 7.

Image Attribution
Praise to the Lord the Almighty, The King of creation –https://pixabay.com/photos/church-pray-religion-faith-god-2464883/
O my soul praise Him For He is thy health and salvation –https://pixabay.com/photos/bible-food-salvation-evangelization-162734/