A few days ago, I went downstairs early in the morning to make coffee and heard the birds singing outside. I smiled to myself and enjoyed the high-pitched chorus which reminded me that a new season has arrived.

Spring is finally here!

Yet, the sun wasn’t shining that day. The sky was overcast, as the rain drizzled. But that didn’t stop the birds from making beautiful melodies to set the tone for the day. As I walked back upstairs with a steaming hot cup, I thought about those birds singing in the rain and how I want to be like them. Whether the sun shines or the rain falls, whether the weather is beautiful or treacherous, I want nothing to steal my song or my faith.

A day later, I got an opportunity to be like those birds when I took a morning walk in dreary weather. Lately, I have been walking outside which may not seem like a big deal to some. But for me, it is a huge deal! Since being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a Traumatic Brain Injury, and anxiety, simple things like going out in public feel difficult. I constantly fight against anxious feelings, irrational fears and panic attacks. My brain tells me that I am in danger which makes simple, harmless things feel scary. The act of going for a walk around the block requires faith, focus, and determination.

So anyway, when I went walking, it was rainy with a high wind warning in effect. I felt the forceful winds pushing me backward and taking my breath away, but I didn’t give up. I kept on going and listened to my favorite worship music. As I walked, I thought about how my life has seemed like a never-ending storm since enduring the life-altering health battle of 2019. The changes in my brain have been traumatic, and daily I fight to adjust. As I often say, I don’t know why God allowed the storm, but I am determined not to lose my song. In other words, I will praise Him through it, no matter what.

During my walk, God put one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture in my heart that is found in Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT. It says, “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”

I love, love, love this passage. To add a little bit of context, in this Scripture, Habakkuk was facing a dilemma. Israel had strayed from God, and the Lord allowed their unrighteous enemies, the Chaldeans, to come in and destroy Israel. It was a barren, tough season, and Habakkuk couldn’t understand for the life of him why God would let this happen. He was genuinely perplexed by it but chose to praise God despite the storm.

Friend, you can also be like Habakkuk. In fact, you must if you expect to get through the storm intact. I know that hard and confusing times will come. Disappointments will try to rob you of faith, snatch away your joy, and steal your song. But you don’t have to let disappointment and discouragement win. You can choose to keep on singing, keep on pushing forward, keep on trusting God, and keep on expecting deliverance.

When the storms rise and the winds blow, spread your wings of faith like a bird, and fly above the doubts and fears by faith. When the raindrops fall from the overcast sky, rejoice for your new season, even if the weather isn’t cooperative and you see no harvest in sight. And remember that in due time, God is who is forever faithful, will provide for you, answer you, and perform His word.

In the meantime, let your confession be Psalm 34:1, which is what I’m stirring into your cup of inspiration. It says, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

As you drink down the contents of your cup, through barren lands, stormy weather, hard and confusing times, choose to rejoice. Praise God in every season. And whatever you do, refuse to give up. There is a reward for perseverance, and you will surely reap a harvest if you continue pressing on!

Now, let’s pray.

God, through storms and rain, though I don’t always understand what You’re doing, I choose to rejoice. I will forever declare that You are good, You are worthy, and You are faithful. And I believe that at the right time, all that You have promised me will manifest. Until that day, I will wait in expectation and maintain a posture of faith and worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you desire prayer, please allow me, along with my intercessory prayer team, to stand in faith with you for breakthrough. We would be so honored. We have seen God work over and over again. There is power in agreement. Click here to request prayer now.

As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!