Matthew 6:25a,26 – Do not worry about your life. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (NIV)

Last night, I was listening to the late news, and it was all doom and gloom: wars, devastating floods, murders. Why did I bother to listen to all of this upsetting stuff just before bedtime?

I turned to a channel where I knew a good speaker was preaching, hoping to hear something spiritually uplifting to focus on. The preacher's topic was "The Coming Economic Armageddon". That was all I needed. I had to read for a couple of hours before my mind was settled enough to drift off to sleep. Even then, it seems that I tossed and turned all night.

The following morning, after an invigorating cup of coffee to brush the cobwebs out of my head, I glanced out my back window to check on the weather. The sky was grey and threatening, and I was not looking forward to walking my dog.

Just as I was about to take my chances on getting caught in a downpour, I noticed several birds hopping and running around the back yard. Robins! My very favourite birds! Immediately, I felt that familiar, warm "squinch" spread through my chest. This sensation had been occurring for as long as I could remember every time I saw a robin. And it never failed to lift my spirits. Sometimes, it felt as if my heart were singing right along with them. Their cheery song was always the same, come rain or shine, always encouraging me to "cheer up, cheer up!"

My mind immediately went back to the news that had disturbed me so much the night before, and a familiar Scripture came to mind.

John 16:33 – I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world. (TLB)

What a wonderful Lord I have! He knew exactly the words that I needed to hear. This promise reminded me that, like the cheery robin, I could face any problems and sing, even in the rain if necessary, because He is in control.

It never fails to amaze me how the Lord uses seemingly unimportant, everyday incidents to teach us so many wonderful lessons. I would ask you take note during this coming week of how many times God whispers a new teaching or reminder in your ear through some ordinary, everyday experience.

Prayer: Our loving Lord, teach us to listen carefully as we go about our daily activities so that we will not miss the blessing of Your divine whisper. We pray in the powerful name of our risen Lord Jesus. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Y. Greer <sygreer11@gmail.com>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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