How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, vast and spacious,
teeming with creatures beyond number—
living things both large and small.
(Psalm 104:24-25 NIV)
Where I live the middle of the winter contains days that are surrounded by long nights. Although now in the end of February the days have lengthened considerably, the cold still reminds us that the season of winter is not yet done. The gray and cloudiness of winter can become hard and oppressive. I love and miss the warmth, sunshine, and energy of summer. But the other day God sent me a reminder that winter won’t last forever.
I am not a “bird person.” Although I can recognize a handful of them by sight, I make no claim to be an ornithologist. But I do recognize some of their songs. The other day – in the winter – I heard a song I thought could only be sung by a summer bird. The song is simple: two notes by the first bird, answered by two notes by the second bird. First, the minor second on scale degrees 3 and 2, followed by the major second on scale degrees 2 and 1. A very simple song, but a call and response that these birds can sing for hours. (I have listened to them for long periods of time when I’ve been outside – in the warmth of summer!)
For me, this summer song, heard in winter, was a reminder of God’s sovereignty, God’s faithfulness, and God’s care for us, his creatures. Every so often it’s good to be reminded that both natural and spiritual “winter” seasons will pass and there will again come the “summer” season. The dark and cold of winter will be replaced by the warmth and brightness of summer. And consistent in it all are things like simple calling bird songs that remind us of God’s provision for us and faithfulness to us.
Creating and Sustaining God,
Lord our God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. We will sing to the Lord all our lives, singing praise to God as long as we live. Thank you for the beauty of your Creation, and for your love and faithfulness to us, your Children. Thank you that you have provided for people and creatures the things we need to sustain our hearts and give us joy. Thank you for the light of lengthening days, and the beauty of simple bird songs that remind us that whatever winter season we are in, there will eventually be summer again. Encourage our hearts with the truth of your Word and sustain us with your Presence, Holy Spirit. May the glory of the Lord endure forever, we ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.
He makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate—
bringing forth food from the earth:
wine that gladdens human hearts,
oil to make their faces shine,
and bread that sustains their hearts.
May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
may the Lord rejoice in his works—
he who looks at the earth, and it trembles,
who touches the mountains, and they smoke.
I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
(Psalm 104:1, 12, 14, 15, 31-33 NIV)