Dove Notes: Where’s Your Trust?

What was the point God?

Ever have a “Why, God?” morning. I recently did. The details aren’t really important. Suffice it to say I was face-to-face with the reality that my best efforts appeared to have produced nothing…one of those ‘your righteousness is nothing but filthy rags’ revelations.  

So, through my tears, I asked God, “Why? What was the point of all that effort, God? So, why do you ask so much of your children if it isn’t going to make a difference?”

Quietly God asked me, “Were you trusting in your efforts or me when you followed my commands?”

My head knew the right answer, but my heart couldn’t hide the truth. Honestly, I had hoped ‘right-doing’ would produce the results I wanted…including no pain, no worries. Things weren’t working out the way I wanted.

Almost instantly, a stray thought appeared. (Side note: It’s taken me decades to realize that’s the Holy Spirit and tune in to what He wants to say.)

Earlier in the week, my husband had told me about a weird interaction he had with a hawk when he went to feed our doves. It had seemed just an oddity of the week, but the random reminder made me realize it must apply, so I went to my husband for a re-telling.

When the enemy attacks…

Our doves live in a new, luxurious, mostly critter-proof cage. This past week when my husband began to unlock their door, a hawk swooped in between him and the cage, wildly crashing in the muddy ground. The predator gathered itself up and flew into a tree and just sat, watching. It was a bizarre scene.

As Craig shared the story, God gently spoke to my heart:

“Child, your faithful obedience creates a predator-proof refuge! The enemy acts as if you are his prey to frighten you, but trusting and obeying me keeps you safe. Did you notice, he landed in the dirt – not even touching Craig or your pets. All is well. Trust me.”

That you may know ME!

My heart melted and soared at the same time! God prepared that answer for me days before my mind would even formulate it. He used a word picture that my heart and mind could grasp. We have a kind, loving Father who will do whatever it takes to purify our understanding of Him.

Obedience to the Word pleases God. It is a tangible way to express our love for Him – and it produces good, BUT it is not where we are to put our trust. Right doing – obedience – is not what produces the good God intends.

Good and perfect gifts come only from God above…and they are GIFTS, not results we produce. Relish the revelations He gives and trust in His love!