Unhurry Hack: God is present all the time, but it's easy to overlook how personally He desires to relate to us.
Occasionally, we encounter moments that leave us breathless, serving as a reminder that God listens to every prayer, is concerned about the tiniest details, and desires to shower His love on His children.
Not long ago, I received a wonderful gift from the Lord that still gives me goosebumps whenever I recall it. By sharing this story, I hope you are also encouraged by the immense love God has for you. He is nearness is so real!
It began with pondered thoughts and a simple prayer. But something ordinary soon became extraordinary.
You first have to know that I love hummingbirds--I mean really adore them. Each time I see one, I am filled with joy and awe of God's creation.
Every year I eagerly hang multiple feeders with great anticipation that these delightful creatures will arrive in time to kick off my summer. Their charming behavior truly delights me and I find my insides smiling when I notice them sipping nectar at one of my stations.
But where were they this year? I spotted one in late March but not again. Maybe recent storms had driven them out? Who knows. Yet, here I sat two months later and still no hummingbirds. I found myself pondering in prayer:
"Lord, you know how much I love those tiny birds. Jesus, you are absolutely enough for me and I don't need them to be happy. I know could survive a summer without them, but they just bring me so much joy."
I had recently been reading through the Old Testament and my thoughts considered how God used man, animals, weather, and even plagues to get the attention of His distracted and unfaithful people. With covenant love and justice He pursued their hearts above all. God's sovereignty remains on display throughout the Bible as well as His power over all creation and nature. As it says in Romans 1:20,
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
My thoughts wandered back to my lifeless feeders and I soon found myself praying: "Lord, you are in charge of all your creation including these little birds. Can I ask you one? Lord, I know you can send one to my feeder, so if you are willing would you send me a hummingbird to enjoy this summer?"
I have learned about prayer that we have the freedom to request anything from God. We can pray boldly, often, and even child-like. Sadly, we will miss out greatly if we reduce prayer to a genie in a bottle experience intended to serve our whims. God is better. He is a good Father and perfect Provider. As we pray freely with open hands and hearts, we then can be prepared to accept His response, whether it be a yes, a no, or a wait.
Scripture teaches us much about prayer, but sometimes fears, false-teaching, or even a lack of fervency can keep our prayer life too safe and complacent. While I reject the ideology of "Name it and claim it" and similar beliefs, I have also found myself at the opposite extreme, neglecting prayer altogether. Fortunately, God teaches us about prayer in His Word and the more we read and study the Bible, the more we can learn how to pray. When asked, Jesus imparted this teaching to his disciples (and to us today) in what we often refer to as the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
My prayer for a hummingbird may have seemed childlike, akin to asking "Daddy, can I have one?" Yet, our loving Abba Father is gracious, and Matthew 7:11 assures us that it brings joy to our Heavenly Father to provide good things to those who seek Him. Being a mother, I understand the affection and happiness that accompanies giving my children a gift or opportunity to revel in their delight.
Here are 5 more verses the Bible teaches us about prayer:
1 John 5:15 says we can be confident God hears and answers prayer.
Luke 18:1-8 says we can even be persistent with our prayers.
Philippians 4:6-7 says we can pray about anything.
James 4:3 assures us that God knows our heart motive of our prayer.
James 5:16 reminds us that earnest prayer is powerful.
Back to the story...
God surprised me a few days later. While sitting at the kitchen table with my daughter, a female hummingbird buzzed up to the feeder hanging outside the window. My breath caught in my throat with great surprise and excitement. "Oh my goodness, it's a hummingbird! Oh I love it" Quickly explaining how I had asked God for one, I then added, " and I shall call you Beatrice!"
Beatrice? Admittedly that's weird, but this is where the goosebumps come in. I have never given names to any birds at my feeders, nor is Beatrice a name I find remotely darling even if I was to name her as a pet. The naming just kind of spilled out of my mouth in all the excitement.
Pondering further on "Beatrice," it occurred to me that names also have meanings. I wasn't desiring a deeper mystical understanding, but simply curious about the derivation or word(s) associated with the name in hopes of fending off my family's teasing (though they were quickly adopting her too). A quick google search and I was awestruck. The name "Beatrice" in Hebrew means blessed; happy; bringer of joy.
Goosebumps. I know. But that is our God--He is so loving, giving, and fun. I was completely humbled in awe. I know God is right here with us all the time, but oh my goodness, sometimes I forget how just how near He is to you and me and how personally He desires to relate to us. Beatrice continues to remind me of God's nearness and points me to my ultimate Joy--Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. Jesus is in the big picture and the little picture, and all the details in between. Creator, Sustainer, Bringer of True Lasting Joy.
Are you searching for lasting joy today?
Jesus is your answer and you can begin a relationship with Him through a simple prayer like this one:
Jesus, I am ready to surrender my heart to you as my Lord and Savior.
Forgive me, I want to stop searching for what the world can't give and let YOU love me, direct me, and start calling the shots in my life. Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and the only way to be made right with God. Today I receive your free gift of salvation, eternal life with you in Heaven, and true lasting joy--Amen.
Welcome to the Family of God! Next steps--tell someone you are a new Christian and find a church home that will nourish your new walk with the Lord and help you grow as a disciple of Jesus. Get to know God through His Word -- the Gospel of John or Ephesians are great places to start reading in your Bible. I recommend using a study Bible in an easy-to-read format like the New Living Translation (NLT) or Christian Standard Bible (CSB).
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