Why can I praise him in the storms?

Currently, I am reading a book entitled, "War of Words" by Paul Tripp. So the following are some thoughts I have gleaned from his book:

So, there lots of bible verses we have learned that teach we should be thankful always. We should praise God always. We should always rejoice. There are alot of praise and worship songs that teach the same principle. Two of my favorite songs that teach this are: "I Will Praise Him in the Storm" and "Blessed be the Name." We know this is true. We can clearly see it as a command. Definitely a way to worship the Lord. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself, "Why can I praise Him when things are going so badly?"

Think for a minute about your everyday communication...what does it usually express? Maybe we usually complain about our difficult circumstances. Tough neighbors, difficult job, disruptive kids at good news club (my personal one), unappreciative family members (husband, wife, children), defective lawn mower, heavy taxes, and the list goes on. Or maybe we are irritated toward people who get in our way? Like during rush hour traffic, child who is in the bathroom when you need it, etc. Our words even express envy toward others...like toward that non-believing neighbor who has the extra money to build on that new addition to their house, or maybe Christian friends who seem to be the object of God's blessings, or your best friend who gets that full ride scholarship to an Ivy League college.

You know, so much of our praise tends to be limited to moments when we have determined that what he has done is good. When we have good health, a new baby safely arrives, getting a good grade on a test. But many times, when the things are going "bad" --those are the times we have to remind ourselves to make ourselves praise Him. But what if we were to truly believe that God is in everything? What if we were to truly believe that God is in every single moment of my life--at work, doing something good in me, something redemptive? Perhaps if we begin to realize this and believe it, we will understand why we are to praise him in the storms. In reality, God is always doing something good in my life. ALWAYS. That is why I can and should ALWAYS rejoice and be thankful. This thought is truly humbling to me. God has us just where HE wants us so that HE can accomplish those good purposes in me that he promises to complete.

Ephesians 2:13

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."