SONG IN THE NIGHT

I awoke this morning to an unfamiliar sound, granted I am NOT a morning person so anything before 6 AM could be counted as unfamiliar. Nevertheless, in the pre-dawn darkness I laid motionless, listening to the song of a bird outside my window. My first thought, I confess, was that of annoyance, "Don't birds know to sing after the sun comes up?" But in that split second between annoyance and dismissal, God spoke to me -

That is what faith is.

As that thought sank in from my brain to my heart, I wept. For my own lack of faith and for those who have lost their song in the night.

the stone cold reality of divorce
the frightening uncertainty of illness
the emptiness of shattered dreams and disappointments

All the things that cause us to sit in silence wishing with every thought that next instant will bring the warmth of sunlight.

Maybe that bird I heard was confused or his internal clock was set a bit early, but I want to believe that he was singing because he knew what was coming.

This seemingly insignificant creature understood creation, and he sang.

Yet I am reminded that I know much more than tangible creation, I know the Eternal Creator and though His motives and methods may at times seem hidden, His mercies are not.

"Come to all you who are weary and I will give you rest"
"I have plans for you declares the Lord... plans for a future and a hope"
"I will be with you always, even until the end of the age"

And now that I am listening for it - I can hear the song.

Sometimes Loud and Strong,
Sometimes Hushed and Reverent,
Often times Choked with Tears.

Maybe, just maybe, if we could learn to sing a little louder in the dark times, those living in darkness would better hear and understand our song.

Because we ARE the singers, but HE IS THE SONG!

Even in the dark, He is worth singing about.