They also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid of Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening rejoice. (Psalm 65:8) 

 

As I turn on the barn lights and gather the cows for their early morning milking, a few sparrows begin a soft chatter in the milking-parlor rafters. They remind me of a few choir members gathering on a Sunday morning to warm up their voices. At this early hour, I start out grumpy. I love caring for the animals, but I feel lonely. The night gloom and my mundane tasks feel heavy on my soul. My focus turns to self-pity. I long for daylight. But then I notice a stunning sparrow rhythm unfold. About two hours before dawn, the bird chatter gradually swells to a soft, slow, throat-vibrating song directed heavenward. I feel invited to join. Sometimes I add my feeble songs of praise to the bird choir. Other times I just listen. I feel the icy heaviness melt, and joy and hope awaken in me. Yes, the darkness will end soon. Maybe, when we become keenly aware of our loneliness, our physical or relational wounds, our longing for darkness to turn to light, we can learn from the rhythms of the bird songs. Their songs reach a climax of praise during darkness to usher in the light they are expecting to come.  

 

Dear God, thank you for directing your love toward us by day and causing your song to be with us by night. Amen. 

 

When I read this devotion I was reminded of Psalm 59:17, Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy. Even in the darkness, have hope and expectation for what’s to come. All of my life in every season He is still God, we have a reason to sing, we have a reason to worship. 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is Deuteronomy 7:9