Cling to the Lord during storms of life

I heard a mocking bird the other day. I thought the mocking bird would blow away the windstorm raged so hard. During the lulls of the storm I heard the mockingbird singing as if nothing surrounded him. 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 glistening rays of sunlight that sparkled through my bedroom window. And what did I hear … the melodious sound of my mocking bird greeting the dawn with joyful music. Through the long dark night he kept singing. Though the wind and sand engulfed him by pelting 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. Yet 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 those waiting for the results of diagnostic tests. He is with you when the telephone rings with disturbing news in the middle of the night. He is there when a 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 prevails. 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 see tulips coming up. I see an ex-student all grown up who greets me with a hug and that makes my day. Then there's my mockingbird.

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 you and I can too!

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]