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“Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” Isaiah 12:5,6) March 2003 Dear Friend, Trusting that all is well with you and your loved ones. We are all fine here, and praising God for all He is doing in this new year. It’s difficult to think that we are in March already! Spring is coming! Glory! This has been a long winter, with weather that we have not been used to for a few years here in the Northeast. We forgot what it was like to have bitter cold days, and snowy nights. This winter has been a wonderful time to really appreciate the comfort of our homes, relaxing with the Bible, or a good book. There is a park outside the back of my home, and I enjoy gazing out the window of my home office, taking in the beauty of the trees and the clear blue sky. One morning, as I was doing this, I noticed the snow glistening brightly in the sun on the branches of the trees. What beauty to behold! It was so quiet, and peaceful. Suddenly, I heard the voice of birds singing, and I had to smile while imagining how birds just enjoyed being, and will sing out in joy on a frigid winter morning oblivious to the trials and problems that we humans face. The Bible says that not even a sparrow will fall without our Heavenly Father knowing about it. (Matt. 10:29). Sparrows do not worry about whether they will eat, or where they will live, or what will happen tomorrow. They just enjoy the moment. Why did Jesus point out the sparrow? Because it is the most insignificant of birds. Who gets excited when they see a sparrow? Hardly anyone, but if a Robin Redbreast shows up on our front lawn, we call our family together to look at it and enjoy its beauty! The Bible points to eagles for their courage and power, and doves are symbols of peace and contentment. Jesus wanted us to know, that if God keeps His eye on the most insignificant of birds, making note of when it is harmed or when it falls to the ground, how much more will He keep His eye on us? So there was this insignificant sparrow, happily singing his song, with no worries on its mind. On a cold winter day, when everything is silent, and nature seems to be sleeping, something as small as an insignificant bird can change our whole outlook, and how we meet the challenges that are faced before us. As I watched the birds perched on the branches, I began to sing to the Lord, shouting out His praises, and before long the Presence of God came down, filling my whole being with His love, and His joy. The Glory of God manifested in my spirit, causing me to rejoice in His Awesome power. Just think! He says that even the hairs on our head are numbered! He says not to be afraid because we are worth more than many sparrows! (Matt. 10:30,31). He is the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, the Great I am, and He tenderly cares for a tiny bird, and as He keeps watch over them, He surely keeps watch over us! He will see to it that our needs are met in an intimate, personal way. He knows exactly what we need, and we can trust that He will meet those needs. Our God is the Lord of hopes and dreams. We all need hope to live, to survive, to keep going. We need hope to find healing from the hurts and failures of the past, from all the horror we see on the news. Every day we are bombarded with rumors of war, of terrorism, of murder. We need hope to survive the onslaught of the enemy who would love to bring us down, and cause us to lose heart. We need hope to know that God will provide us with our necessities, with purpose, with meaning. Knowing that our future is safe in the hands of a Loving Father who watches over us with tender loving care brings us hope. It allows us to dream. It allows us to look to the promise that a bright new world is coming, where love reigns, where peace and justice prevail. We can live in the present because we know our future. We know where we are going, and where our real home is. We can know that God will take care of the present, and that no weapon formed against us can prosper because we are His children, and heir to the Promise. Do we dare risk speaking to God in faith believing that He not only hears, but answers? Do we dare to believe that our Father loves each one of us so much that He holds us in the palm of His hand? As we grow in Him we become wiser. We know that if we hold on to Him, He will not let us fall. He will keep us from falling. All He wants is for us to trust Him. I heard a story once about a boy on a diving board. He was standing there afraid to jump in the water, and afraid to try to walk back and get off. His father noticed what was happening, so he went into the water and told his son to jump, that he would catch him. The boy looked down, and saw his fathers outstretched arms, and jumped right into them. He trusted his father to catch him, and there was no doubt in his mind that his father would do what he said he would do. This is the way our Heavenly Father wants us to trust Him: with no doubt that what He promises will come to pass. God says in Psalms 91:14,and 15 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord; “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my Name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him.” Isn’t this reason to rejoice and shout His praises? Isn’t this reason to sing for joy, and let the world know Who He is? We have so much to be thankful for! Isn’t it about time to hold in our heart gratitude beyond anything for the things He has done for us? Though we may fall, He picks us up! His loving tender mercies are new every day! He gives us His Word to hold on to, to give us courage and hope. For a moment which may seem like forever, we may lose our focus, but then He holds on tighter, urging us to keep on holding on. “The Lord upholds all those who fall, and raises those who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14). It takes courage to
live, but if our life is bound to Jesus, we have hope. Psalm 18:33 tells us “He
God bless you. Rev. Barbara Anne Yovino
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