The sky was gray. The air was cool. The setting matched my mood. I was tired. It had been a long fourteen months, and we still had questions. Even the doctors were puzzled. I tried not to worry. Yet emotions ran high, while energy ran low.
Somehow, I pushed through each day, moment by moment. This particular day was a fairly routine workday, except that it was Friday. You know, the day many workers look forward to as the weekend quickly approaches. Thankfully, my workload was light, probably since I was acclimating back into the routines from my recent medical absence. My work assignments had been delegated to another while I had been out of the office for several weeks. In due time the tasks would be returned to me for handling, and I was appreciative of the transition which allowed me to ease back in.
Glancing through the window, I longed for spring that had not yet arrived. A vine with several thick branches wound its way around metal and wood supports. But it was bare. The weather was still too cool for new growth to appear. I found myself hopeful for warmer days and new sprouts, those lovely signs of life and vitality. My soul longed for fresh signs of life and vitality, too.
A simple sparrow created soul-stirring scene …
Suddenly, a sparrow landed on the bare vine branches. It was quickly met by a robin. The two bounced from limb to limb, their weight so minimal they could light on even the smallest twig.
I admired the intricate details God had designed in each of them. They were alert and taking in the visual stimulation around them with quickly jerking heads and firmly clasped claws.
The momentary reprieve from life’s burdens was refreshing. My days had been filled with a myriad of thoughts swirling in my mind and troubling my soul. How long would this recovery take? When would the days of pain end? And once my physical body healed, how long would it take for my mind and emotions to return to a more normal state? What would be the end result of this medical journey we had been traveling for well over a year? Why were the physicians puzzled, still trying to determine the diagnosis? Have you ever been there with the concerns of life leaving you pensively wondering?
As gracefully as the birds flitted through the air, the Spirit reminded me of what Jesus said:
So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:26-31 niv (emphasis added)
The cold and dreary day transformed as my soul warmed …
Soon the otherwise cold and dreary day began to transform as my spirit was warmed. God’s gentle reminder that I was not forsaken, nor forgotten, breathed fresh air into my thoughts. Whatever was happening in my body was not a mystery to Him. He designed me fearfully and wonderfully as the psalmist so poetically penned. (See Psalm 139:14) My worrying would not restore health to my body, nor would it produce peace in my soul. It was time to turn my focus heavenward. Whatever the days ahead might bring, I was reminded our Father has only good planned for me – and for you.
Are you troubled or distressed? Do the days ahead have you concerned? Let us embrace the words of Jesus, fully confident that God knows where we are and what we need, and it is His good pleasure to take care of us. As Jesus said:
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12:27-31 niv
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 kjv
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