Early one crisp morning I stepped out on the back porch, coffee mug in hand. It was late February, and there was still snow on the ground. And that’s when I heard it: bird song! A male cardinal sat in our leafless butterfly bush singing his heart out–at 36 degrees Fahrenheit!
“How do you know winter’s over?” I said to him. He answered back in song–though not in English,🎶 “I don’t. I just know it’s time to establish my territory, find a mate, and build a nest.”🎶
The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk had a similar experience. Things weren’t looking too “spring like” in Judah when he cried out to God, “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?” –Habakkuk 1:2 (NIV)
God told the questioning prophet that even MORE trouble was coming. Jerusalem was about to be leveled by the ruthless Babylonians. But the Lord offers the beleaguered Habbakuk a timeless piece of advice: “But the righteous will live by his faith.”–Habakuk 2:4 (NIV)
At the end of the book the prophet takes God at His word. Like my cardinal friend he says–in so many syllables–even though things don’t look promising at the moment, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”— Habakkuk 3:18 (NIV).
Kind reader, a big part of faith is faithfulness–consistent obedience to God, no matter the weather. It’s time to sing!
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
41 responses to “It’s Time to Sing?”
Glad to see you’re back up and running, David. No worries.
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I apologize for taking so long to approve your comment and respond, Rainer. I switched to a new phone and everything is just now coming back online. Your fresh angle from the Sermon on the Mount is refreshing. God Bless!
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I was thinking about Jesus saying in the Sermon on the Mount-it rains on the good and the bad alike (paraphrasing) as I read your beautiful post. I love what you shared here and how you put it together. Thanks for this encouraging reminder about the importance of faithfulness, rain or shine.
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Agreed, Dawn. And, like it says somewhere in the Bible, “His commands are not burdensome.” In other words, with His help, we can do this! Thank you for sharing! God Bless.
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You’re welcome, Kathlyn. Thank you for reading and sharing. God Bless.
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A good, solid word in these tumultuous times. Thank you.
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Amen David. We must remain faithful. That is the only way for us to fulfill God’s purposes.
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Beth. I loved your latest post about the duck hunting lab. God Bless!
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Wow David a timely post of exhortation in these uncertain times! I need to be just “Like my cardinal friend he says–in so many syllables–even though things don’t look promising at the moment, “I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”— Habakkuk 3:18”
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Yes, God gives us a song! And, like the birds, we should sing it–rain or shine. Thank you for your input. God Bless!
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God always puts a song in our hearts – even in the difficult times. And what comfort that is. Thanks for this David!
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Amen
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True, Andy B. God looks for our obedience, despite the conditions. After all, He is still God. The entirety of His vast resources are still available to us. Blessings!
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“to obey is better than sacrifice”
Amen!
Andy B
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Thank you, Jo. I’m glad I’m not the only one who talks to the birds. Just the other day I told an American Robin that I’d just flown back from New York. “Boy my arms are tired!” I said. She didn’t laugh. Seriously, thank you for sharing and being a faithful reader. God Bless!
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Birds are such great little creatures! I laughed when I read “He answered back in song–though not in English” because I find myself making comments to the birds in our gardens at times and I swear they understand me! 😁
This is a great post David..faith goes hand in hand with faithfulness…amen!
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I’m glad you liked the post, Simply B. Thank you for being a faithful and encouraging reader!
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I love this post so much! Such encouraging truth. Thank you for faithfully sharing what God puts on your heart, David.
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Your comment reminds me of learning to drive a standard transmission (stick shift) when I was 16 years old. I remember driving down the road and hearing my dad say, “shift!” God walks beside us and offers such directives as well. Thank you for reading and commenting, brother!
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Faith in the midst of snow or even a storm is a true feat of Godly Faith; it’s a bit like test driving a car…we just have to push it through the gears! Great post brother and I just love that beautiful Cardinal.
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🔥🔥🔥
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oh yes cooking away with the microwave lol
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Yes, Barb. And I’m so grateful that the Lord is faithful–even when I am not. Thank you!
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That’s ok, Matt. You’re a great cook, right? That makes up for your lack of singing skills.😃
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I am grateful the birds can sing because me not so much 🙂
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Faithfulness!!
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Thank you, Ken. There are lots of opinions but only one that truly matters—God’s. His “Well done” will be enough. Thank you for your input!
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Appreciated this post – ‘God told…’ a key to every situation – Lord speak in these days.
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Zing! Good one! (See, I told you that you have talent!)
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Yes, we had quite a conversation. I asked him if he’d been watching the Weather Channel. He said, “No, I watch the “Feather Channel.”🥁buh dump dump.
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Amen, sister tamweary! Thank you for sharing.
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I mean I know that you are talented, but I did not know that you also speak fluent cardinal!
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That cardinal bird knows that Spring won’t be behindhand on its appointed day, but right on time because God is Always Faithful!!
Thanks David🙏🏾
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I love the quote, Betty! I’m not sure I’ve heard that one before. Thank you. I hope you and Dan have a great weekend!
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I’ve noticed the birds singing in the early mornings lately, too. It reminds me of the saying, “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.” It seems right now, more than ever, we need that faith.
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You’re welcome, Bridget. Thank you for reading and commenting. Blessings!
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“Staying on point.” This is exactly what I thought when I heard, and then saw, that cold cardinal. Sometimes, we must forge on in faith—despite the contradictions. Have a wonderful weekend, Gary. Thanks for sharing.
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Such a great reminder! Thank you! 🙌♥️🙏
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Talking to the birds. I relate to that David. Consistent obedience, steadfastness. Staying on point.
No matter the weather…a good year to remember these things.
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This actually happened near the time of your post about seeing a cardinal on your mom’s birthday. But I didn’t want to fill up your comment section, so I told the story here. Thanks for stopping by, Crystal!
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I like that Hebrews definition of faith (and the appearance of the cardinal).
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