Sing a Winter Song
Ta-Ti-Twir… Twit.
The sound of a songbird broke the silence as I sat reading. Laying my book in my lap, I wondered. Would it come again? Then…
Ta-Ti-Twir… Twit.
Could it be? Outside, winds ripped through the bushes, rattling the windows and whistling through the chimney. Snow blew sideways, the freezing temps creating a slick sheet on the walkway. And yet…
Ta-Ti-Twir… Twit.
I glanced up. That’s when I saw him. Clinging to the wreath hanging from my door, he sang his winter song.
Ta-Ti-Twir… Twit.
What a sweet reminder, and especially having just read in Jeremiah–
“Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord” (Jeremiah 20:13a).
Indeed, even in winter–despite dark, bitter cold, in blinding snow…
A song.
I needed this affirmation. After all, only hours following this timely experience, loved ones several states away would lay a precious family member to rest. I’d received a text earlier in the day requesting prayer for one battling mysterious health issues. Another message informed me a beloved and kindred friend had been placed in a nursing home, while yet another text pinged, telling me of a kind neighbor’s pain and suffering, the result of cancer ravaging his body.
Ta-Ti-Twir… Twit.
And I’m sure. Likely, even as you read this, you’re thinking of your own suffering or that of someone you love. After all, seems suffering is everywhere–round the corner, round the globe.
Jeremiah suffered.
Despite his obedience to prophesy to God’s wayward children, he suffered the wrath of those who desired to turn a deaf ear to his words. He was beaten and placed in stocks (20:1-2), before being released, only to continue with God’s message to the very ones who’d persecuted him (vv. 3-6).
It’s no wonder, when Jeremiah caught his breath, he complained to the Lord–pouring out his heart as one weary, angry, and yet…
Ta-Ti-Twir… Twit.
The weeping prophet petitioned and praised.
“O Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you I have committed my cause. Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked” (20:12-13).
Even in the midst of pain, perhaps rightfully feeling unjustly accused, Jeremiah chose to 1) acknowledge who God is; 2) ask punishment for his enemies; and 3) sing God’s praise.
And how about us?
In our winter season–facing enemies like illness, injustice, misunderstanding and even death–can we, like Jeremiah…
- Acknowledge who God is?
- Ask for justice to be served, according to His perfect plan?
- Sing our Savior’s praise?
Only then can we carry on, as God’s servants–to one day, when our winter season has passed or even in the midst of ongoing difficulty, sing–
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Spring is coming, friends–though heartache’s finality is reserved for heaven. Like the songbird in the depths of dark winter with his…
Ta-Ti-Twir… Twit…
We, too, cling to the promise…
“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light” (Revelation 22:5).
So, friends–
Sing your winter song!
Merciful Father, how we need You. In the dark, we need You, in light, we need You, and in all life’s circumstances–in every season–yes, we need You.
*(All passages from the NIV–1988-1991 editions.)
Friends, a timely book is about to be born.
The Art of Resilience–Inspiring Essays by Women on Life After Hard Things, compiled and edited by Michelle Rayburn, will be available on Amazon March 16th.
I’m blessed to be a contributing author, and I believe this book will encourage weary hearts to persevere, even when life is difficult.
I’m offering a copy to one person who leaves a comment, and I’ll draw a name on March 4th for the winner. Once it arrives, I’ll ship right to your door (U.S. residents only, please).
Tell me about a winter season in your life or share how God has used praise to lift you from despair. I look forward to hearing from you.
*****
Be watching for a bonus “Windows and Wallflowers” blog post–an author spotlight.
Dr. Mel Tavares’ new release is too good not to share.
Coming soon!
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The Conversation
Amen. I’m thankful to know God is always with us. Blessings. 🙂
Me too, dear friend. Thank you. Blessings back!!!
My 102 year old dad is dying, my youngest is disconnected from me and I’m sick with a virus that refuses to leave my system but He is the song of my life and I sing praises to Him. This post encouraged my heart knowing that God was singing over me. Thank you
Oh, friend–I’m so sorry for the pain you’re enduring. But yes, our songs of praise are our ladders out of despair. So, sing on, precious one. Sing on!
My winter season started on 9/20/2024 when we received the news that our 36-year-old daughter was dead. She died a month before her own daughter turned sixteen. The shock, the regrets, have stayed with me. I used to always feel the words from lyrics about the goodness of God were my theme songs. I now, must sing of my soul longing for Him as I gain back my momentum.
My last prayer was Lord bring her out of darkness into HIs glorious light. I have to believe that He did that. He rescued her from those who used her and did not love her well. She suffers no more.
Oh, what loss. I’m so very sorry, but He is with you. Bringing comfort and healing. I will hold you up to the Lord, asking Him to be near in your grief, as He promises to be.
Hi Maureen, the book ,giveaway, looks great so here I go. I’m dealing with heart failure at 70 years old. That’s been my new “winter” season. It’s ups and it’s downs from feeling like I’m better, yay,
to a day I feel oh no, what’s going on, where’s my strength? From post menopausal female issues on top, it’s hard! But ppl like you I cherish bc our precious Lord uses you all to bring me up and remind me He is STILL on His throne of the whole wide world. And I’ll be with him even if I “go home’ sooner than I would chose. I just wanted to be an “active grandmother, so that’s my heartache too, my winter, story. Praise, ppl, and prayer are my “lifelines.” Thanks Maureen. God bless you!
Oh, Dara, thank you for sharing. This is a difficult place, for sure. I am sorry you’re experiencing this, for the pain and the worry it brings. I will pray for you, asking the Lord to be near in every moment–to bring peace and joy as only He can. As He PROMISES! The hope of heaven is ours, but that doesn’t diminish the sadness as we consider leaving a life we love. Someone very dear to me is facing similar… I appreciate your sharing, friend. Holding you close to the Lord.
Oh how I love this Maureen! I am always filled with hope to go outside even the winter and hear the birds singing or see a cardinal show up on my deck or in a tree in our yard . I have been going through what feels like a long winter season since the end of October meeting with various Drs regarding a health concern . Just today I felt a breakthrough and hopeful that my spring is just around the corner from this long winter season of searching and praying for guidance and peace over my situation which is not uncommon to many but it has been my own unique journey with it that has drawn me closer to Jesus and allowed me to know and experience Jesus in ways I may not have otherwise. Believing God that the spring is coming! Forever thankful for the song of the birds and our hope in the revelations 22:5 passage you shared ! Blessings Friend!
Oh, yes–precious Ann. Holding you close. Thankful you’re sensing a breakthrough. I love you so much, and I know life has been difficult… but I also know YOU KNOW the One in whom we trust. Thank you for sharing. Praise–our ladder out of despair! Sing on, songbird! Sing on!
I enjoyed reading this, Maureen, and especially hearing you read it aloud in our group yesterday. Winter songs are a delight!
Oh, thank you, dear Maggie. Always the encourager, you have often been a “winter song” for me in dark times. Blessed by you.