A Lenten Devotion for 2022

Submitted by Dana Whitfield

No doubt you have seen bird nests in trees where there are no longer any leaves. Have you ever wondered if a bird communicates to another bird that ‘yes’, this nest will soon be in use again?

Our Lord God has designed every detail for a bird just as He has for us in our lives. He speaks to us daily if we are willing to listen.  Sometimes we choose not to hear or do not understand.   

Imagine for a moment if what you said to a family member or friend was understood and clear enough to make sense.  Yet in some situations what you said may have been interpreted differently from what you intended to communicate. There are times when what is heard is misunderstood creating a new challenge.  When your intended message gets confused you may find it best to repeat using simple words to make it easier to understand.  It may help to have the person repeat what they understood. Keep it simple, even use a description, if that clarifies the message.

Jesus had several occasions in dealing with his disciples when they misunderstood his message. “Watch, while I go and pray”. They fell asleep. “Listen to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” Luke 9:44. But they did not understand what it meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it. (NIV)

Choose words that are clear and honest as you communicate with others.

I pray that you may find clarity and meaning during this season of Lent as you seek to understand how much Father God loves and cares for you. You may find if you are attentive to God’s words of instructions, more will be clear.