When we praise Him, we find Him. And when we find Him, we find peace.

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.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, I will walk and live in Your truth; Direct my heart to fear Your name [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder]. I will give thanks and praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; And will glorify Your name forevermore. ~ Psalm 86:11-12