Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Romans 8: 26-28 (NIV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
One day I was sitting at the dining room table working on my computer when suddenly I heard a loud BANG. All I could see when I looked up was a puff of yellow feathers through the window. I ran outside to find this poor little yellow bird laying on his back, eyes closed, his tiny chest heaving up and down, gasping for his last breath.
I had NO idea what to do; I am no expert in bird resuscitation! I ran inside to see if I could find some help. I was living with a family in Fall River, Nova Scotia at the time and their son Tate was home. I brought him outside to have a look at my feathered friend. Tate sauntered outside, paused for a moment to observe the bird and then said, “Yeah, he’s going to die.” That was NOT the answer I was looking for.
What was I going to do? I couldn’t possibly let this poor little creature lay there alone, so I decided to start petting him. To my surprise, when I laid my finger on his head, his eyes opened! A few minutes later he stood to his feet, and about a half hour later he flew away!
I never forgot my tiny friend because there have been so many times I could relate to him. In my music career I’ve made many mistakes, wrong turns and been hit by obstacles I wasn’t anticipating. Sometimes life hits us hard, takes us by surprise and knocks us down. Whether it was from a wrong decision or circumstances beyond our control, we fly into the proverbial window and wonder if we’ve broken our wings for good. We wonder if we’ll ever fly again.
God never promises us a problem-free life. But, He does promise that He will never leave us; He will be “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” His Spirit “intercedes for us with wordless groans”. When we’re flat on our backs, gasping for air, He’s right there with us, feeling our pain... and He can bring beauty out of that pain. With God, we can fly again into new possibilities, even when it looks like our story or dreams are dying.
Thank You, Lord, for your promise to be with us in times of trouble. You are a loving God who feels our pain and can work everything together for good. Thank You that with Your help, we can stand to our feet and fly again to new possibilities!
COMMENT BELOW: How has God helped you fly again when life hit you hard?