Praise Him in the Storm

I was thinking tonight about why we praise Him in the storm. When things are rough, I try to remember that God is worthy of my praise even when my circumstances are not desirable. Even when I am near tears, when hope seems lost, He is worthy of praise. I also realized, though, that my intentions with praise are not always admirable.
When you are in a storm, do you praise Him because He is worthy and you wish to glorify Him and please Him? OR do you praise him so that the person you feel wronged you sees that you are thriving DESPITE them. I think that sometimes, I smile just to spite the person who frustrated me at that moment. Just to make the point that they didn’t win. I realized that sometimes, even my praise has a second motive – and that it is being used like a slap in the face, instead of a clean and pure praise and gift to God.
I think that one of my goals is going to be focusing on praising God in my storms and praying FOR folks who frustrate me, rather than trying to use my praise to punish them. Turn the other cheek doesn’t mean to turn my opportunities to worship into persoal gain via insensitivity and hurt. Thank you, God, for helping me step back when my path seems unclear and unclean. Help soften my heart and strengthen my resolve. Bring me closer to you, always. Let my life shine your light.