Cardinal Red

It's not uncommon for God to speak through nature. God spoke to Moses through the burning bush. (Exodus 3) God used a storm and a big fish to make His plan very clear to Jonah. David often referred to nature in his psalms: "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them." Psalm 8:3-4 Many people can agree that we feel closest to our Creator when we enjoy His creation.

 Quite a few years ago, I was at the age of the 'crossroads.' I was eighteen and my life stretched before me. I had several life-altering decisions ahead of me including plans after graduation, dating, and career choices. There was no clear right or wrong way and I found my mind in turmoil. I still remember sending a pleading prayer to God from my chair on the porch of a rustic cabin. "God, I don't know how to ask for a clear answer, but if this is what I should do with my life, then please give me a clear yes."

 Instantly, a blur of red flitted across the trees directly in front of me. A beautiful, red cardinal. And I knew...that was God's clear and direct yes for my decision.

 God has continued to use that special, red bird to remind me of His presence in dark times...remind me of His faithfulness when financial worries crowd my mind...remind me of His love when I feel hopeless...remind me that joy comes in the morning. Seeing a red cardinal swoop into my view always brings a comforting reminder that God is with me and He cares!

 I am in love with Michael W Smith's song: Sky Spills Over and it has been on repeat in my head the last number of days. 

 May our eyes tune in to see the rose blooming in the desert.
May the new horizons in our dusty lives bring us hope.
Can we hear God's majestic thunder in our circumstances?
Let God breathe His spirit into my dry bones!
Watch and see the sky spill  over with his love.
Only let God remain and let Him fill me with wonder.
See the SON in the horizon.

 Psalm 121:
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

May God make His presence known to you in a very real way today! Look for His whispers of love in nature. Be aware of His faithful presence and tender love...for you.


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