|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Nearer My God To Thee"1 (Lyrics) |
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
On one recent morning, heading out to my weekly exercise program took every ounce of willpower I possessed. It was a chilly, grey, drizzly day, and my aching bones were screaming at me to go back to bed.
As I was climbing into my car, I saw a streaking movement out of the corner of my eye. A large robin soared down and lit gracefully on my lawn. This helped to lift my dismal spirits, as robins always hold a special place in my heart. Before I had time to turn my attention back to starting my car, a second robin glided in, landing near the first one. Then, even before I could touch the starter, a third robin joined the first two.
Then their performance commenced.
They began to chirp in unison, like a beautiful choir, performing especially for my benefit. Ignoring the drizzle and chilly weather, they raised their heads and sang out their little hearts, almost as if they sensed how I was feeling. "Cheer up, cheer up, cheer up." And to top it off, all three of them were facing in my direction. What a uniquely beautiful experience! I raised my eyes and my heart in thanksgiving to my loving Lord, and humbly asked His forgiveness for my attitude. Once again, He had taught me an important lesson. Instead of being thankful for the new day that He had given me with all of its possibilities, I was groaning about the weather, which I couldn't do anything about. Then there were the robins! I felt a stinging in my eyes as I thought once again of the wonder of His amazing love, unearned and undeserved.
As the robins flew off, I finally pressed the starter and headed out for my exercises with a very different attitude. My heart was now singing in gratitude for God's beautiful choir.
If you ever happen to wake up feeling a bit out of sorts, take a minute to look outside and listen for God's choir. You just may be blessed, as I was.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know Your children so well, and You understand our sometimes silly weaknesses. We are so thankful that You always lovingly understand and provide a solution. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 – In Nigeria — On Christmas Eve '21, Rev Kogi was killed in an accident. He left behind a wife and 5 children… Recently, the Kogi family came, threw all the widow's possessions out of the house, took what they wanted, and told her to take her kids and GO! She came to the Widows' School. They are here until a home in town can be found. Pray for her and her family!
cancer: "Update June 4, 2023. Please continue to pray for our friend. She occasionally suffers from A-fib as..." 
prayer of thanks.: "Update June 4, 2023. Thank you to everyone who prayed and is still praying. April 30, 2023. Thank..." 
Lovely.
God is so good.
Sharon – Beautiful!
I too love to hear it Sharon.
Thanks, Sharon for a beautiful inspiration.
Hi Sharon
ANOTHER HEART warming devotion. God bless and thank you.
Thank you for your most timely devotional. I’m a bit frustrated today, so I think I will go outside and look at nature and give thanks that I am able to do that.
I enjoyed the story of the robins singing. I had heard the same tune this very morning as it woke me up. The birds were outside in my front yard in a new tree that my daughters had given me. Thank you Lord for the music you give us if we take the time to stop & listen.
Thank you Sharon for this very good reminder. Some true but we do. Need to be reminded of this at times. May God continue to bless you and inspire you as you write these wonderful messages for us.
(Ont)
God works in mysterious ways. We have many birds at our home and they always lift my spirits. I always eagerly anticipate the return of the rose breasted grosbeaks in early May and the hummingbirds. What a blessing they are. What an awesome God to create so many different birds for us to enjoy!
Hello.
With a grateful heart, I thank you for the way you encourage the reader. First, to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Yes, in Jesus we have hope, and that hope does not make us ashamed.
A friend in Jesus.
(USA)
Good Morning, Sharon,
The news about “your” robins was gratefully received, especially since we seem to be losing our population in Texas. We live on a ranch, and we are just not seeing robins. Blue bird, blue jays, cardinals, woodpeckers, warblers, etc., abound but no robins. Thank you for your reminder.
(Texas)
Dear Sharon,
I want to thank you for this beautiful devotional. As a child in Iowa, they were the first signs of spring. This morning when I read your devotional I felt I wanted to share this with you. I looked out my window and saw a bird singing on a hydro wire above our neighbour’s house. It was such a cheerful song, I was pretty sure it was a robin. I ran to get the binoculars and by the time I got back to the window it’s mate joined it. It was only a “duet” but what a blessing!
I’m so thankful we can recognize God’s love in nature.
(B.C.)
Thanks Sharon for a message to cheer a rainy day. Blessings.
Thank God he gave you the will-power through his creation.