I sat outside, enjoying a pair of wrens flittering and fluttering in the sunshine while singing their morning song. Without warning, one bird soared past my face, smacked into the porch window, and plunged to the concrete patio. The stunned bird lay panting just inches from my chair.
Its friend called from a nearby branch, but it wasn’t the pretty Twill! Twill! the two sang earlier. No, this call, Scratch! Screech! filled the air with care and concern.
The bird below me made no sound. I stayed still. Eventually, its friend quieted and flew away.
I wanted to whisper, “You’re not alone; I’m here. You’ll soon recover and fly away.” But I knew my voice would further startle the shocked bird. Although ever watching, I could neither move nor make a sound.
Then God reminded me of this verse: For the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. He never leaves or forsakes us. The familiar words flowed through my heart like sweet honey, reminding me of times when the Lord seemed distant and silent after I had experienced a shock or sudden hardship.
Watching the scared bird, I wondered how often I had lifted my fist to the heavens crying, “Where are You, Lord? What happened? Why can’t I hear You?
Could God’s stillness be for our benefit? Does He sometimes allow us to rest, breathe, and recover, knowing His quiet presence meets our greatest need for the moment? Perhaps, when stunned, our hearts and minds cannot receive more. Certainly, the shock of our circumstances does not alter the presence of our loving Lord.
Have you ever misinterpreted God’s silence for abandonment? When struck by sudden calamity, did you wonder where God was? Our friends may move on, and God may seem quiet, but we can trust His promises. We may lay blindsided and panting, yet He remains, watching over us until, like my little friend, we can fly and sing again.
Ask God to help you determine when silence is the best medicine.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and debowscyfoto.)
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Gretchen Huesmann is an award-winning author who pens non-fiction for adults and children’s fiction and nonfiction. Gretchen speaks nationwide to ministry workers, educators, and women’s groups. She and her husband enjoy their empty nest in western Florida.