The coyote's song is such a longing, lonely sound. Yet it is so peaceful. It came to me that it was the perfect sound for thankfulness in adversity.
That led me to the Book of Joel. Darkness and mourning followed by restoration and joy. What an awesome promise!
That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now, while there is time!
Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.
Don't tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts."
Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful.
He is not easily angered.
He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you...
...Then the Lord will pity His people and be indignant for the honor of His land!
He will reply, "Look! I am sending you grain and wine and olive oil,
enough to satisfy your needs...
...Surely the Lord has done great things! Don't be afraid my people!
Be glad now and rejoice because the Lord has done great things!...
...Rejoice, you people...
...Rejoice in the Lord your God!
For the rains He sends are an expression of His grace...
...The Lord says,
"I will give you back what you lost to the stripping locusts, the cutting locusts,
the swarming locusts, and the hopping locusts.
It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.
Once again you will have all the food you want
and you will praise the Lord your God who does these miracles for you.
Never again will you be disgraced like this.
Then you will know that...I alone am the Lord your God...
Then after I have poured out my rains again,
I will pour out my Spirit upon all people...
In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on servants, men and women alike...
...And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
~~ Joel 2:12-13, 18-19, 20-21, 23, 25-29, 32 NLT ~~
The Book of Joel was written to the Israeli people about their lackadaisical attitude toward God. Joel was warning them of the ramifications of disobedience and ignoring their Creator, the God of the Universe.
But he was also telling them of the great blessings that were theirs if they would repent and serve God with all they had - marvelous blessings, physically and spiritually! Restoration!
What a marvelous look into the heart of God! He is EAGER not to punish us! He is EAGER to bring us restoration of all that has been lost to us!
What brings us to God? Well, for most of us, adversity! We turn to Him when their is nowhere else to turn.
I can personally testify that I am closer to God than I have ever been. That is because I have spent so much time in the last three years, particularly the last two, crying out to Him, seeking Him, because of one heartache or another.
I look back on the events of my life and know that the things He has allowed, even sent - the "stripping locusts, the cutting locusts, the swarming locusts, and the hopping locusts" - because they would lead me to closer relationship with Him. He knew that my half-hearted efforts were not enough to provide me with the great blessings He had for me!
And so, I thank Him for all of it! Thankfulness in adversity.
More lovely than the coyote's song.
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