I Will Exalt YOU

As I lay here in bed (literally thanking Jesus for a snow day because I was going to have to take another sick day) I am worshipping my Savior, my Redeemer, my Healer, my Rock.  The past 7 days (really the past 2 1/2 weeks but the past 7 days were worse) have been so trying.  I have literally broken down every single day.  I have so many supportive people in my life, and I know they were all sent straight from Jesus to build me up.  I have said numerous times, "I hate to complain because I know there is always someone who has it worse."  While I've always believed that, it has been made so obvious since yesterday.
My body is so sore and so sick of throwing up that all I've done is cry and have pity party after pity party, and Ben has allowed me to do that.  As I was telling my sister yesterday about what's been going on, she told me about one of her good friends that is 11 weeks pregnant who just found out her baby passed away, and has now been waiting days to "pass" the baby.  The story has much more to it, but all I can think is how mortifying and heartbreaking it would be to give birth to such a tiny baby especially knowing you'd never get to see it grow when you've already developed so much love for it.  So yes, there is always someone who has it worse.   As I thought about that, and another family I know having a very difficult pregnancy (after already miscarrying last year), and then think of friends who so badly want to be pregnant I realized it is time for me to pour out thanksgiving to my Jesus.  I know I am so blessed to be carrying a healthy baby (and to be feeling her move as I type), and these trials will soon pass.

When I had to leave school at lunch yesterday, my friend, Meredith sent me this:
"So be TRULY GLAD.  There is wonderful JOY ahead.  Even though you have to endure many trials for a little while." -1 Peter 1:6
It was so encouraging that this morning I decided to read through 1 Peter.   Though I've read bits and pieces of it before, I decided to read it in its entirety.  This book of the Bible is full of such sweet promises and hope.  From talking about the joy Jesus brings, to the crown of glory, to His promise of steadfastness and strength, all the way to telling us He will lift us up when the rest of the world looks down upon us, this short book is so comforting.
Jesus placed these words and promises in front of my eyes just when I needed them most.

And more encouraging words are found in my favorite song "I Will Exalt You" by Bethel Music & Amanda Cook

(you should probably YouTube it asap)


Your presence is all I need
It's all I want, all I seek
Without it, without it there's no meaning
Your presence is the air I breathe
The song I sing, the love I need
Without it, without it I'm not living

I will exalt You, Lord, I will exalt You, Lord
There is no one like You God
I will exalt You, Lord, I will exalt You, Lord
No other name be lifted high

There will be no one like You
And no one beside You
You alone are worthy of all praise
There will be no one like You
And no one beside You
You alone are worthy of all praise