One bright spot of color changed my view of the landscape. I warmed my hands with a mug of coffee and gazed out the kitchen window. Under a sunless sky, bare tree branches and the straw-like grass, pressed low by winter’s cold, mimicked a brown-toned painting.
The scene echoed the cheerlessness of my struggling emotions.
Then a fluttering burst of red swooped into the dullness and changed my view from bland to bright. A red cardinal landed in the grass and bobbed for seeds. Another cardinal joined the scavenger hunt, followed by a blue jay. I thanked God for three spots of bright color that changed my perspective.
The birds provided a striking contrast against the bland palette of my yard. Their splashes of color reminded me of how God brightens our gray days when dismal outlooks threaten to capture our thinking. Days when clouds seem to obscure our view of God. Days when challenges hide blessings. Those days when everything goes wrong.
I thought of three ways God helps us on those days.
First, His blessings.
God often sends splashes of blessings to grab our attention and remind us of His presence in a world that can be bleak. A brave pansy blooming in February. A child’s giggle. A note from a friend.
Father, help me notice all you bring into my life to focus my heart on you.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 ESV
God often sends splashes of blessings to grab our attention and remind us of His presence in a world that can be bleak. Share on X
Second, His people.
God sometimes sends an attentive believer who notices a need. He may urge us to visit a friend who needs a kind word or deed. Conversely, He may whisper to a friend’s heart to share an encouraging word with us, to meet a need we have, or to simply listen.
Father, thank you for the gift of friendship. When I’m having a challenging day, would you send a friend to encourage me? And when my friends are discouraged, nudge me to be an encouragement to them. I’m listening.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Finally, His Word.
God uses the Bible, His letter to us, to remind us of His character and His promises. To strengthen our walk with Him. To transform us. When we read the Bible regularly, the Holy Spirit brings truths to mind. Our Father guides and encourages us through His Word.
Transform my heart, Lord, as I read Your Word.
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 ESV
Your Turn
How has God brightened your days? Please share to encourage all of us.
God uses similar things in my life. Understanding Scripture better, friends and family, and even the birds flying into my yard. There’s also opportunities I hadn’t had before and creating artwork. I need to plant some pansies to help my mailbox seem happier. The best thing is to stay close to God and keep in touch with friends through the hard months.
You’re right, Katy. Staying close to God and enjoying the friends He provides helps our focus stay on Him. I also love the beauty of nature and the truths He shows us in His Word. Thank you so much for your comments.
I love seeing the cardinals in my yard, the color does brighten the day. Thanks Jeannie for reminding me about the promises of God.
You’re welcome, Yvonne. I need reminders of His presence and promises on challenging days. Yes, the red cardinals’ striking color catches our attention, especially on gray weather days. Thank you for stopping by.
Well…you brightened my day when I saw your post in my inbox! I love just seeing creation- clouds and sunshine, blowing trees in my yard.
Marilyn, I’m glad you mentioned additional parts of creation that cause us to focus on God. I’m thankful the post brightened your day. Your comments brightened mine.
Thank you, Jeannie! I needed that!
I’m glad God used the message He gave me to brighten your day, Glenda. I appreciate your message. He always meets our needs, through His Word, His world, and His people.
The chipmunks and cardinals often sing with my pianos right outside my studio and it is such a beautiful reminder that He is with me, encouraging me to enjoy the moment.
Thank you for the devotional, Jeannie!
Jan, what a joy it must be to hear the music of God’s creatures blending with yours. I want to enjoy the moments more often, even in the middle of busy days. Thank you for stopping by.
I think the one thing that brightens my day and renews my hope is for God to show me truth in his word.
Your post is a blessing this morning.
I’m grateful the post was a blessing to you, Jimmie Annette. I agree the best blessings and encouragement come from God’s Word. Our Father shows us His character and promises in the Bible and guides and instructs us. I’m grateful for His truths.
So wonderful to have your blog post pop up on my email! Your message was perfect for this winter day, to bring hope and cheer. When we look deeper, we see beyond the barren trees, brown landscape, and muddy remnants of snow storms. Thank you, Jeannie, for sharing sunshine and light.
Katherine, I appreciate your descriptive comment which illustrates my point. We need the hope and cheer that God provides for us, don’t we? I’m so glad you found joy in the post.
Jeannie, thank you so much for this devotion today. As you described a cold morning, warming your hands with your coffee, my thoughts raced to my holding my coffee mug this morning for the same purpose. The beauty I observed today was a squirrel racing down the railing from upstairs. Such a carefree run! Suddenly, I was filled with the joy of the Lord!
Evelyn, I watched a squirrel hunt for buried food in my front yard today. Little glimpses in nature can turn our hearts and minds back to God and bring joy. I want to notice those glimpses more often. Thank you for a beautiful example.
My day was brightened as well when I received your email. Thank you for the reminders that we sometimes let pass by.
Pam, I sometimes miss those special reminders of His presence, too. I hope the post will help all of us watch for the ways God brightens our days with reminders of His presence. Thanks so much for commenting.
Thank you Jeannie. Your writings always convey your beautiful smile. I, too, was happy to see your post. I’ve been a little down lately and your words always lift me up. Thank you so much!
I’m thankful you found joy in the post, Sandy. We all need reminders to watch for God’s work in our lives, don’t we? I know I do. I appreciate your comment.
I love to see your writings again, Jeannie! I’m praying for you, dear friend.
Thank you, June. Comments are encouraging and prayer is certainly appreciated. Have a great day.
Your words stirred me Jeannie. I read them to the tune of birds chirping in the tree beside my porch. There’s so much noise in the world these days. Much of it is discouraging. Thanks for rerouting my focus to those things which call to mind God’s goodness.
Terri, I’m glad you used the word “rerouting my focus.” We all need that in this busy world, don’t we? I’m thankful you read the post “to the tune of birds chirping.” How perfect. God is so kind to send reminders of His presence.