In August, my husband and I were blessed to have a week vacation near Destin, Florida. Vacations are special times to rejuvenate.
Each morning, I tried to start the day with a time to pray and write in my journal, spending quiet time, listening. Sometimes it can be challenging to carve out quiet alone times, even when on vacation.
Usually, I started my quiet time in this location, then I’d walk on the paved walkway which paralleled the beach.
Almost every morning, I was greeted by the sound of a dove. The dove usually was perched high on the rooftop of a nearby building.
Hearing the call of the dove each morning encouraged me.
One day, as I listened to its soft call, I thought of a key historic moment recorded in the Gospels. It was the time when the Holy Spirit descended as a dove upon Jesus.
When I returned to the condo, I looked up the Scripture in Matthew 3: 15-17 (NKJV) where Jesus is talking to John the Baptist:
“But Jesus answered and said, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then Jesus allowed John to baptize Him.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'”
These words spoke boldly to me. I noticed how God spoke from heaven. I thought about how important God’s proclamation was to the people at that time and how important it is to us today.
If we take these words to heart, we have the assurance that Jesus is God’s Son and our Promised Deliverer.
We, as followers of Christ, also can trust that if Holy Spirit came to be with Jesus, He also comes to be with us.
Several days after my vacation. I was inspired to write this poem. I am thankful for the way God speaks.
The Call of the Dove
It’s time to look closer,
Behind the veneer.
It’s time for us to listen.
Be quiet, so we hear.
Hearts are hidden near us
Behind walls of shame.
Lonely, longing, wailing hearts,
Needing love, no more blame.
Restore us, Oh God, to You.
Tear down and build back
Relationships, remaining
With You, there is no lack.
You gave us The Promise.
Jesus is His name.
When we ask Him in our hearts,
He takes away our shame.
Yet, action is needed.
Walk full of faith within.
Trust in Resurrection Life.
Transformed, released from sin.
Step out in confidence
Know deeply God’s love.
Thank Him for the hope that’s found
in the call of the dove.
In the Bible, turtle dove or dove is mentioned many times. Has there been a particular Scripture, with the mention of a dove, which has inspired you? Or have you been touched, as I have, by the call of the dove? If so, please share.