I recently moved to a new home. Of course I took my little parakeet, Beethoven, with me. She loves me so much! Whenever I come into the house she chirps and jumps to the front of her cage, presses her little chest against the cage so I can pet her. But ever since the move, she is different and it made me think about how I relate to God.
Since our move, my little bird is filled with anxiety. I can tell because she doesn't chirp as much and when I enter the room, she doesn't jump forward and greet me but its nervously perched on her branch. I wish I could tell her that she is still safe in her little cage and that I am still here to care for her and feed her. I wish I could let her know that, even in this new place, she is fine because I love her.
I know that during times of change in my life, I act a lot like my little bird. God is still with me watching over me, loving me, and caring for me. But I am so nervous and so upset that things are shifting, that I am not in control and that things are not as they used to be that my anxiety blocks out my ability to fel God's presence.
Like me, with my little bird, God longs to reassure me that all is well because God is still with me...but I sit frightened and feeling abandoned and alone.
God, help all of us to trust you and your great love. When life turns and twists in unexpected ways, help us to know that even in the midst of change and pain, you are with us, will never leave us and all will be well! Amen.