We must sing through life's storms

I love to hear the mockingbirds sing. One night I heard a mockingbird singing all night long through a terrible storm. Thunder crashed and lightning snapped. The severe storm raged. During the lulls of the storm, I heard the mockingbird singing as if nothing surrounded him.

To me, it seemed he sang to his mate to reassure her all was well. He could have been blown away. He could have found a safe place, but he stood his ground and pursued his calling in life.

The next morning diamond dewdrops kissed by glistening rays of sunlight sparkled through my bedroom window. And what did I hear? The melodious sound of my mockingbird greeting the dawn with joyful music.

Through the long dark night, he kept singing. Though the wind and storm engulfed him and pelted him in the face, he didn’t miss a note. Somehow I think this amazing creature knew God watches over the “sparrow” and the mockingbird.

Do you ever lose your song sometimes? I have. The “storms” of life can almost blow us away. We lose sight of the fact that we have a loving, heavenly father who wants the highest good for you and me.

He has promised to never leave or forsake us. He is with that son or daughter who is far from home. He is in that hospital room. He is with you while waiting for the results of diagnostic tests. He is with you when the telephone rings with disturbing news in the middle of the night. And yes, he is there when that loved one is finally laid to rest.

We must sing through our storms and be comforted because God has said, “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NCV).

Let us keep God’s Word close to our hearts. Instead of looking at the “storm” and the prevailing circumstances, cling to the Lord with all your might.

The first verse of Psalm 95 has helped me many times in the storm: “Come, let’s sing for joy to the LORD. Let’s shout praises to the Rock who saves us” (NCV). When all is said and done, Jesus is our only hope. Without him there is no hope.

It bothers me at times that my mockingbird seems to have more trust than I do. I must grow, trust and develop ever-increasing faith … and I must sing. I must sing when my son has serious back surgery. I must sing when misunderstandings and criticism prevail. I must sing when everything seems to go wrong.

What is left if I don’t sing? Worry, anxiety, headaches, heartaches, sleepless nights and many anxious moments … that’s what is left. Can I change anything by all of these? No!

I must live one day at a time and not allow the “storm” to rob me of the moment. Time is too short to waste it. It bears repeating. “Life is delicious.” It is made of wondrous things. I like to call them “God’s specialties.”

I saw my first tiger lily bloom today. It is beautiful. To see an ex-student who is all grown up and be greeted with a hug makes my day. And then there’s my mockingbird. His loyalty to his mate touches my heart, and I am thankful for all of God’s creatures.

Sing through your storm today. It, too, will pass, and you will see sunny days again.

“Stand strong in the Lord and the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

If a mockingbird can do it, so can you and I!