The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "THE BLACKBIRD’S SONG" for Thursday, 12 May 2016 with Scripture: Psalm 57:7-8

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "THE BLACKBIRD’S SONG" for Thursday, 12 May 2016 with Scripture: Psalm 57:7 (6) They prepared a snare for my feet,
but I am bending over [to avoid it].
They dug a pit ahead of me,
but they fell into it themselves. (Selah)
8 (7) My heart is steadfast, God, steadfast.

I will sing and make music.
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Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.[Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)]
When I participated in a 24/7 prayer vigil for a dear friend with cancer, one of my prayer slots was at four in the morning — not a time when I am at my best. It was still dark when I rose to pray. All was quiet outside. As I attempted to rouse myself to intercede for my friend, a rich and joyful sound burst into the darkness. It was a blackbird, perched on the roof of my neighbor’s house. Its beautiful song split the darkness with joy and exuberance in anticipation of the dawn.
Hearing the bird’s song — even before the sunrise — caused my mind to turn to the well-known verse in Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” I returned to my prayer time with renewed hope and anticipation of God’s help and support for my friend. I knew that as surely as the dawn broke, our God would be merciful and faithful to her. I joined in a song of praise with my little blackbird friend, causing faith and hope to rise in my own soul. Our faith can awaken with the dawn of each new day.
The Author: Janice Ross (Scotland)
Thought for the Day: I can praise God for all the wonders I am about to see.
Prayer: Dear God, give hope to all who wait for a new and better day. Reassure us of your faithfulness. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE STRUGGLING WITH CANCER---------------------