Casting Crowns/John Waller concert

I received this email on Facebook following the Casting Crowns/John Waller concert on Friday night and wanted to share it with you.

Last night ...Casting Crowns ....7th row !!!! Basically right next to the stage .... but, surprisingly, that didn't excite me as much as I thought it would. I could have been in the last row, squinting to see the members of the band, and still believe that I would have been just as happy. After all, it's not about the band. It's about the music. It's about their passion and their faith. It's about Jesus.And believe me, if that passion can come through a cd on my laptop, it can surely come through at a concert, no matter where you are sitting.

I'm sure I've posted this song before, but again, it came to me with such strength and conviction along with a flood of tears last night. I was hoping they would play it at the concert but I was doubtful because it is not on their latest cd. In a way, this song made the night for me. About halfway through the song, I felt a heavy weight in my chest subside. The second time they sang the verse about the thunder and God whispering "I'm with you", I heard a voice in my soul sing it also. Not from my mouth, though I was singing it loud, losing my voice and watching them, through my tears, perform it on stage. I heard the words from my soul....I'm not sure this is even possible but it's the only way I can possibly describe it. I heard HIM?

I will tell you personally that I am not the strongest Christian. I am a sinner, very far from a saint. I am not strong in witnessing to others, especially when I am surrounded by unbelievers. I fade in the background and try to avoid conversation.

I've been on a pretty intense journey lately, trying to really find myself and listen to what my heart and soul needs. I've been meditating, which has helped tremendously. I've had several people close to me tell me to put myself first, worry about ME and be more selfish. Recently, I have found strength and confidence relying on myself, trusting that if I go through the motions, living life day to day, something will click ... I will get some kind of answer.

I believe that I heard the answer last night. I can't fill this void inside me with anything but HIM. No earthly friendship or relationship can give me what I need. This void can only be filled by HIM.

So, this is my prayer. I pray that Jesus will reach out to me, accept me with all my faults and sins, forgive me, and help me to be closer to Him.

Here's the song.
Here are the words that run through my head and heart daily.


Praise You in This Storm
-Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
God, 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
CHORUS
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
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
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
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
CHORUS
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
(repeat)
CHORUS
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Blessings...brian