A Firm “Nope!”
This morning, I woke up with a firm “Nope!” Not today! I decided I wouldn’t start my day online, scrolling through emails or checking my phone before connecting with my Father. I’m not talking about that half-hearted “thanks” in my head before getting out of bed; I knew I needed something deeper—I needed to be in the presence of God.
Cultivating Habits for Tomorrow
As I settled into my morning routine, the thought struck me: What habits am I cultivating today that will serve as the catalyst for tomorrow? Whether we realize it or not, we are always creating. I felt a strong urge to realign myself with God because I certainly don’t want to move forward without His guidance.
A Random Verse of the Day
Then, I opened my Bible for my random verse of the day. Some days, I flip it open to see what resonates, and today was one of those days. I landed in Joel 2:12-32, which speaks of a call to repentance, a promise of restoration, and the outpouring of the Lord's spirit. Every line felt like a warm welcome back after a period of slacking on my readings.
God’s Unchanging Love
What struck me most was Joel 2:13, which describes our God as loving, merciful, compassionate, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love. It was as if He was right there, welcoming me back with open arms after my slight hiatus. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the chaos around me that I forget the truth of His Word.
The truth is, that many of us tend to believe our unreliable circumstances over God’s unchanging promises. I needed to sit with that realization for a moment. That thought pulled me right out of the funk I was in.
A Call to Turn Back
The Lord said, “Turn to me now while there is still time. Give me your hearts; come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in grief, but tear your hearts instead.” (Joel 2:12-13) Wow! This verse resonated deeply with me.
A Sign from Nature
As I pondered this revelation, I glanced out the window and spotted a beautiful red cardinal perched in a nearby tree, its vibrant feathers catching my eye. In that moment, it felt as if the bird was watching over me, and I couldn’t help but think, “That’s no coincidence.” Seeing the cardinal while reflecting on Joel 2:22, which speaks of joy, restoration, and the outpouring of God’s blessings, served as a powerful reminder that positive changes are on the horizon. The verse states, “Don’t be afraid, you animals of the field, for the wilderness pastures will soon be green. The trees will again be filled with fruit; fig trees and grapevines will be loaded down once more.”
The number 222 also bears its own significance, often symbolizing balance, harmony, and the manifestation of our highest potential. Interestingly, Acts 2:22 is the only verse in the Bible that mentions signs, miracles, and wonders together, reinforcing the idea that divine intervention is at work in our lives. In this context, the message from Joel not only assures us that restoration is possible, but that it is imminent. Cardinals are frequently regarded as symbols of hope and renewal, and today, that symbolism resonated deeply within me, reminding me that beauty and blessings are always just around the corner.
Remembering Loved Ones
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my mother and my aunt, both of whom I’ve lost, especially during this holiday season. The cardinal felt like a representation of their loving presence, watching over me.
What struck me was how stunning that bird looked against the backdrop of a frosted tree with no leaves, next to a weathered garage with chipping paint on a cloudy day. The gloomy surroundings made the cardinal appear even more vibrant and beautiful—a physical representation of vitality and passion. It served as a reminder that something good is always on the way.
Gratitude for God’s Promises
I am grateful for today’s scripture, which reminds us of God’s ability to bring restoration and joy. It keeps me aware that I am always creating or co-creating my reality.
Affirmation and Reflection
Affirmation for the Day: “I am open to the blessings and positive changes that are coming my way.”
Quote of the Day: “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
As you go about your day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on one thing you are grateful for right now. Just sit with it for a few moments and see what comes up. Let that feeling of gratitude fill you and remind you of the goodness in your life.
Trusting the Journey
Trust the process, believe in yourself, and stay positive—the best is yet to come. I fully intend to live my best life on purpose. If you have a moment, I encourage you to read that chapter. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel%202%3A12-32&version=NLT
Remember, God is a wonderful waymaker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and light in the darkness. His promises never change, and His plans never fail. I trust that anything broken will be restored, and for what isn’t restored, I will trust His plan for the greater good.
If this message spoke to you in any way, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t keep this inspiration to yourself—share it with someone who might need a little reminder that everything is always working out, even when it seems uncertain. Remember, every season must change, bringing new opportunities and growth. Also, feel free to connect with me on my socials @thesparklecompanychicago. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I wish you a beautiful day ahead!
Peace.
Shakila B.💖✨🫶🏽
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