Sitting in the quiet of the morning, I grew still. Birdsong outside my window held my restless thoughts. One soloist stood out among the rest — her song strong and crisp against the cool of the morning.
I could barely see the pop of cheerful yellow among the new spring leaves of our apple tree. But there she was, singing praise from the treetop — her melodious song filling the somber morning as she joined the chorus of birdsong.
Birdsong broke through my heavy heart
The morning light was shrouded by oyster-gray clouds, a blanket of sorts, as rain drew near. The air carried a chill that matched my heavy heart. But then the golden finch continued her song.
And my heart responded.
Out of the recesses of my soul, His living water flowed over and through the difficult places tucked away from the eyes of others. Bubbling to the surface came the soothing words of a favorite psalm, Psalm 84:
1 How lovely is Your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near Your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in Your house,
always singing Your praises. Interlude
I realized I had entered the courts of the Lord; I had stepped through the veil as the finch’s praise opened my eyes to see and know that I was in His presence. Though the skies outside my window remained oyster gray, my soul lit up with the brilliant light of God’s precious Spirit. The heaviness lifted. The joy returned. And I leaned into the sweet melody of the finch’s song.
The delicate whisper of the Lord rustled through my heart: Nan, I am your God who sees and knows your anxious thoughts. Do you think I would ignore your silent sobs for help, your groanings too deep for words? No! I am here with you … always. I will not leave you to carry this weight alone. I call you daughter because I love you. Look to me; keep your thoughts on me and praise on your lips, and I will keep you in peace. Praise Me, my child, for My goodness will never fail you. My joy is your strength. Lean in, press on, and My glory will be revealed in the difficult place.
A tear trickled down my cheek. Thank You, Lord. I love you.
The Finch’s Birdsong led me to the Courts of God
Yellow flashed by the window. The tiny soloist perched on the side of the birdfeeder, but rather than feasting on the seed, she tilted her head back and forth, peering through the glass until we made eye contact. She then chirped a few more cheerful notes, spread her wings, and flew away.
“Let your thoughts be psalms, your prayers incense, and your breath praise.” ~ Charles Spurgeon
Selah
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down, and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
