Seek Him while He may be found
Ominous, black-stained clouds crept over the mountain ridge. Trees bowed to the ground under the influence of fierce winds as raindrops like bullets shot from the sky. Long, slender fingers of electricity lit up the darkened heavens. One touched the hill across the street with an explosion of intense light. I screamed and quickly ran from the window as my home shuttered against the thunderous boom.
But just as quickly as the midday became midnight, and gentle breeze became fierce winds, the storm moved on.
A hush settled over the mountain hollar. Sunlight glistened in drops of crystals blanketing the grass. A cool, gentle breeze blew over the land.
And after the hush came a song.
A chorus of blended voices lifted from the tree limbs and echoed across the mountainside, filling the heavens with song. It began softly, one bird at a time, then built into a melody strong and sure. A chorus of praise on the heels of the storm. It came naturally — as natural as their wings lift them up to fly. It came with ease — as easy as their color brightens a lonely day. And it came with loveliness — as lovely as the warm sunshine illuminating the fuschia of petunias growing beneath the tree.
A chorus of praise. Natural. Easy. Lovely.
I wonder what the birds were thinking during the storm. Were they sitting still beneath the canopy of limbs, knowing the storm would pass, knowing their Creator God would keep them safe, resting in the knowledge that a song was bursting within and nothing — no thing — could hold it back? Were they? Possibly. Probably.
Is that how I respond to a storm in my life? When forces of evil collide with hosts of angels placed in charge of me, do I rest in the knowledge that the Lord will keep me safe? He has given me the gift of praise, but will I choose to release it? I hope so.
Praise. What a glorious gift the Father has given us.
And even when we can’t praise Him for our circumstances, we can always praise Him for who He is. He is our Redeemer and Friend. He is our Refuge, our Strength. He, Himself, is our peace … peace in the storm.
Will you join me in a chorus of spontaneous, joyful praise to the Father? I’m quite sure the cool, gentle breeze of His Presence will follow.
Joining you in a glorious concert of praise, my friend! So beautiful.
Thank you sweet friend. I think I can hear you singing now 🙂
I’m learning to do this. To praise God no matter what. It’s not always easy but God is faithful and I love how He gives us that hush in our spirit when we give our sacrifice of praise to Him. Thank you for sharing this timely truth with us 🙂
Oh, Marcie, it’s such an important lesson for all of us, isn’t it? God promises to inhabit the praises of His people, so through our praise to Him we can enter into His peace, His rest, His comfort, and hope — whatever we need at that time.
great post, Nan! I want to be like the birds, resting in God’s care of me, knowing He will protect me and the storm will pass. I don’t always do that, so this is a great reminder. Thanks!
You’re so welcome Crickett. I love that thought also — the birds always have a song in their heart regardless of their circumstances. Thanks for stopping by.
I love this picture of the birds singing after the storm! Thanks for sharing it! I’ve said this before, but you have such a beautiful writing style.
Heather Bock
http://www.glimpsesofjesus.com
Heather, you are so precious. Thank you for your kind words. The Lord teaches me many of His principles through His creation and I LOVE THAT! He knows I’m a visual learner and He provides what I need to understand. The birds taught me that they were able to sing after the storm because the praise was within them all along – they didn’t let go of it just because the sky grew dark and the wind was fierce. That speaks deeply to me.
What a poetic story and reminder about praising God and trusting in His great goodness and character.
Thank you Katy. I appreciate you stopping by.