A Safe Place to Praise

High above the meadow, nestled in the branches of the oak tree, a melody rang out. Cloaked in red velvet, a cardinal sang praise to her Creator. She was in a safe place, held in the shelter of the oak, supported by the strength of branches bare against the wind of winter’s cold.

She found a safe place to praise.

High above the fray.

Sheltered from the fierce wind of winter.

Secure in the arms of the tree.

Her song rang out.

I noticed the cardinal waited until she was high above the meadow, perched safely in the shelter of the oak before she sang. She had to lift her wings to get there. She had to be still once she settled on a strong branch. And then she had to release the praise that pressed against her beak.

A sister-in-the-Lord exhorted me recently to “Lead them to a safe place to praise.”

A safe place …

… to praise.

When life comes at us hard and fears rip at our hearts and sorrows crush and despair depletes … we need a safe place. We need to find our way to Jesus. But the enemy whispers our unworth, and taunts with merciless lies and laughs at us in mockery … and it’s hard to find our way.

But Jesus is the Way. Our destiny. Our praise.

And He is our safe place. Our Refuge. Our strong tower.

He loves us with an everlasting love — a love beyond comprehension and He calls us to Himself … not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

Yes! You are worthy of His love. Nothing can separate you from that remarkable love that knows no bounds. And like the oak tree waiting with branches strong for the cardinal to rest upon, Jesus waits with arms outstretched to embrace His child and Redeem. Restore. Reassure.

It is in Him that we live, and move, and have our being. In Him.

Break through the lies that keep you away from the One who loves you deeply. Lift your wings and rise into the safe place of His presence by speaking His lovely name — Jesus. Then open your lips and give Him praise — thank Him for who He is. Praise Him for what He has done. Adore Him for He is Lord.

And when you do, He will wrap your white linen robe of righteousness in a cloak of red velvet where no harm can befall you and no sorrow overtake you.

And your praise will break every chain.

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Congratulations to Heather Bock!

Heather is the winner of The Perils of a Pastor’s Wife for the month of January. If you enjoyed what you found here and would like to be encouraged more in the Lord, please subscribe by leaving your email. You’ll have a chance to win my book too — a winner is chosen on the last day of each month.