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| You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 |
If I asked you what was one of the things that brought you the greatest pleasure, on a daily basis in your life, what might be your answer? The goodbye kiss every morning from your significant other, perhaps? The satisfaction of preparing a meal for your family? The home that you now enjoy, which was a fruit of many years of labor and penny pinching?
Can you name one specific thing or activity that brings you the sweetest inner pleasure and reminds you of the Father’s joy and pleasure in you?
One such activity I that truly brings me inner joy, and pleasure immeasurable and surprising is when I am watching the birds do the things that birds just…well…things that birds just DO!
One of these is watching them bathe. Now don’t get the wrong idea, not pleasure like David watching Bathsheba pleasure. Oh my! No! Can you believe I went there? Yup, I know. Issues.
But truly, the pleasure that reminds me, not of my own sinfulness, (not so easy- since it seems ever before me) but the kind that is so oblivious to external distractions and overflowing with grace that it becomes blissful, beautiful and holy. When I watch the birds roll, dip and rustle themselves so blatantly unaware of my presence and pleasure, yet so completely present in their own precious moment, it brings me delirious inner joy and amazing delight!
It has often brought to my mind the possibility of God’s pleasure
in me as I go about my day.
All because of Jesus.
I have watched from my kitchen window and from my back patio. I have been blessed and reminded again and again in this one small activity: watching the birds in the birdbath. It has brought to mind that though rejected: He is aware of me. Though downcast: He has not forgotten. Though uncertain of the future: He knows my needs. Though in need of cleansing: He has provided. He has made all things possible. By grace through faith in Christ. Though my sin seems to be ever before me, he takes pleasure in watching me come to Jesus again and again to be cleansed. When I fly away, I am clean, holy and free.
My greatest need, and yours is the promise of Him and His presence in all of our various circumstances. In this one thing we can be fully satisfied. In His presence is fullness of joy. Oh may we not forget. I am grateful for these birdbath blessings and gentle, sweet reminders of His love, grace and faithfulness.
O, Lord I pray that I may be satisfied with the good things you give. Amen.
Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
Hi Dawn, I found your blog via someone else's and enjoyed browsing. Thank you for letting me stop by. I find beauty and joy in inhaling the earthy rain scent of crushed fall leaves; and in seeing God's artistic beauty in sunsets; my children's laughter; in my husband's kiss. Thank you. Have a great week. Jennifer Douganwww.jenniferdougan.com
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Loved this! And once again, almost scary how we seem to walk along the same path, Dawn, as I've been enjoying watching from my back porch these same kinds of birds doing the same thing for the past week or two. This was a real blessing for me to read today, thank you!Pam
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Thank you, Jennifer- I visited your blog but there was nowhere to leave a hello! Sure hope you get this! @ Pam- You are so right! Kindred spirits and bloggy friends – I look forward to your posts and am equally blessed when I read and see our similar themes along the way. God is good like that!
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Greetings from Southern California I am your newest follower Have a Nice Day 🙂
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Amen, thank God for Jesus and the grace found in him:)
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I love that verse, one of my favorite Psalms! Great post!
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