By Tonya S. Swindell

Communication with God occurs in many forms. And when I believe He has a message, I try very hard to listen. Many times, observations in nature and from everyday life give His voice greater clarity and meaning.

Once I saw a small, gray bird with beautiful splotches of white and yellow on its breast, side and tail feather. The bird was deceased. Seeing it reminded me that God knows our whereabouts, even in death. In Psalm 139:8 King David prayed: “If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I go down to the grave, you are there.”

On another occasion, I saw a seagull walking alone, slowly within a courtyard. The bird had a very tired appearance. When I returned, it was no longer in the courtyard.

I imagined that after resting a while, the bird re-joined a flock. A very weary prophet named Moses also needed the promise of repose before leading a flock of people. In Exodus 33:14, God told him, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

While visiting my mother after Hurricane Florence, I encountered another small bird, the feathers of which appeared brown and iridescent blue. The bird collided with a picture window then landed safely on a doorstep. I presumed it may have been dazed or disoriented.

For about 10 minutes, I watched as the bird stood in one place then flew away, landing on the limb of a tree. It rested then regained strength before rising. That is my hope for people impacted by hurricanes Florence and Michael.

The bird reminded me of Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary,
they walk without getting tired.”

Our Daily Bread devotional for Oct. 14, 2018, stated: “In the book of Job, Job’s friends are debating the reasons for his suffering and ask, ‘Can you fathom the mysteries of God?’…In response, Job declares, ‘Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you’ (Job 12:7). Animals testify to the truth that God designed, cares for and controls His creation: ‘In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind’…Since God cares for birds (Matthew 6:26; 10:29), we can be assured He loves and cares for you and me, even when we don’t understand our circumstances. Look around and learn of Him.”

Around the time I observed birds, I began finding coins (typically pennies) in parking lots, hallways and various places of business. Doing so reminded me of Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.”

God’s voice is unique. And I believe He wants to speak to individuals in ways each person understands. I’m grateful for guidance He gives during everyday situations.

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and is a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.