Devotionals

Just Before The Dawn

by Mary Thomas
04/29/20
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I woke early this morning, it was still dark, and whatever I tried I just couldn’t get back to sleep. Normally I would fret about this, worry that I would be tired all day, but this time, instead of fretting I tried praying and listening to the silence that is there just before the world wakes.

All of a sudden, the dawn chorus started, just one bird song and then another until it seemed like a chorus of birds were singing their hearts out. One bird sung louder than the rest, singing a variety of songs, each tune different from the rest. I lay there thinking, it is still dark, why does that bird sing in the dark?

Then I heard the familiar still small voice of my Father gently speaking to me in the quietness of my mind.

I felt Him say to me, ‘The bird sings because it knows that the dawn is coming’. 

What a profound thought, even though it is still dark, the bird knows and is confident that the daylight will come, the dawn is just around the corner. Because of that assurance it can sing its heart out.

In a moment of time I knew this was another lesson for me. It is dark sometimes in my life, and I don’t see the way forward, and I really don’t feel like singing or worshiping God. But if I really understand, just like the bird, that the dawn is nearly here, then surely, I can sing, worshipping my God, because the darkness will flee and the light will come.

The dawn may signify many things for us. Healing of the mind, body or spirit, a lost son or daughter returning home, a relationship being restored, financial breakthrough, depression lifting.

The real and most important dawn for the believer is the final dawn of the New Day when we will eventually step into the realms of Heaven and see the darkness flee for ever. In Heaven, there is no day or night for the light of our King will be all we need.

Do you long for that day? I do, but I also realise that we live in the here and now until that day, so maybe we need to be like the birds. Sing in the darkness, in the hard times, with a knowing that our own dawn will come, because our Father is faithful and will make our way clear before us. 

Next time you hear the dawn chorus, remember the day is coming, the light will be here shortly, the sun will rise, and each day His Grace is sufficient. Try singing out, worship Your God with all your heart. If the birds can do it, then maybe we can too.

  'Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again: Rejoice!' Philipians 4:4

‘Father, help us to sing to you, you are so worthy of our praise. Even in dark times You are still worthy. How You love to hear our voices. Help us to remember that a time is coming when we will rejoice with all Heaven as the final day dawns’