I have always had a fascination with birds ever since I was a little. One summer my brother and I raised two baby birds from naked little things until they were able to fly. Just recently, a tiny, brown bird built her nest in my front door wreath. No sooner were these beautiful blue eggs hatched, raised and gone, than another bird raised her family in my planter right next to my front porch. It has been my smile every morning to peek into these nests on my way out for a walk. On the morning that the second nest was empty, I happened to glance over to an oak tree. There on a large branch sat one of the babies gearing up for its first flying lesson. I listened as the mother bird coaxed her baby from a short distance away.

I’ve been thinking about the intensity of my interest as I watched the lives of these birds. My deepest desire is to be a more avid God watcher than a bird watcher. God is active all around me but as I hurry through my daily life, I often overlook His precious work. My husband and I both have to refocus from time to time. We see God provide for even the smallest needs. We come to realize that our familiarity with our culture and surroundings had caused us to feel very self-sufficient. We saw our actions and the things that came our way as a result of our own work and our own will. That realization was quickly followed by our great repentance and our renewed determination to watch for God.

Jesus made it known through parables and many other means. He told his followers to watch. We are to watch for His work, watch out for sin and watch in expectation for the signs of His second coming.

Luke 12:24 says, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” I will encourage you today to begin watching for God this week. He cares for you. Has He sent a cool breeze to blow over you as you work in your garden? Has He helped you to respond kindly to a friend or spouse who has just stepped on your last nerve? Has He provided a friend to wipe away the tears that spill over from the sorrow in your heart? Has He allowed the internet to include a devotion that reminds you of your great worth to Him? Turn your spiritual eyes toward your world this week and watch for Him.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to have keen spiritual eyes. Make me aware of the times when my vision has glazed over and sharpen my heart toward God-watching again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.