Bless her heart. She was a haggard little thing. Tan and crimson feathers were askew, falling out, barely hanging on. Molting? Maybe. I’m not sure. What I am sure of is how she spoke to me this morning.
A Molting Cardinal Had a Lot to Say about Praise
A birdfeeder sits right by my window beside the couch where I enjoy my quiet time in the mornings. From this vantage point, I can watch the world awaken with its dawning light, its mist lifting over the creek, its air filled with birdsong.
It was birdsong that drew my attention to the tiny haggard cardinal — she was bursting with song! Perched on the wrought iron curve of the birdfeeder, she tossed her head back, set her gaze heavenward, and belted out praise to her Creator.
I sat mesmerized and soaked in every note.
All I could think was, bless her heart! Here she was, haggard as could be, and no thing or no one was going to stop her song of praise. She was bold and certain.
It was a message to me, for sure.
Recently, I had forgotten to be thankful, and the consequence was that I lost my peace for several days. I was miserable. Haggard. My eyes were not heavenward, but inward. My lips voiced grumblings rather than praise.
And my peace was all but gone.
Bless her heart! I’m listening, Lord
Paul exhorted the Church at Philippi, saying, “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” ~ Philippians 4:6-7, AMP
That peace which reassures the heart.
That peace which transcends all understanding.
That peace which stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
How? With thanksgiving …
I don’t like my circumstances — this season I’m in. It’s very difficult and filled with challenges of the heart. But … once I stopped being so selfish and turned my eyes heavenward, I realized that many are the reasons for giving thanks!
God has been with us every step of the way, His goodness and mercy following David and me — pursuing us when we were too overwhelmed to see.
I have a roof over my head, even if it’s rusty. The rust doesn’t leak, and the shades of brown and amber are quite beautiful, in their own sort of way.
I have a car to drive; its name is Waymaker because God made a way through some loving friends to provide for me.
I have food on the table, and shoes on my feet. I have friends and family who love me and support me, who remind me who I am in Christ.
And I have Jesus — my faithful Friend, Savior, and Lord.
Thanksgiving Releases Praise and Praise joins us to the Heart of God
We are not defined by our circumstances, but by God’s love. We are not held captive by our difficult places, unless we choose captivity. Christ has come to set us free. When we are haggard, the Lord says, “You are beautiful, My child. Let me infuse you with My strength. Come and sit with me and I will give you My peace.”
And when we are overwhelmed by our difficult, broken places, the Lord says, “Run to Me. I will lift you high above the soul-danger.”
Thanksgiving reminds us of these truths — it creaks the door of our heart open so His glorious light can come into our darkness and restore peace. Thanksgiving releases praise, and praise joins us to the heart of God.
And you know what? Even haggard praise is beautiful in its own way. It’s a bit like the crucifixion that must come before the crown.
Selah
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down, and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
