Pigeon, Be Still

Bible Reading: Psalm 46:7-11

“Watch me, Grandma. I’m a pigeon!” Dallas said with a giggle as they walked through the park. Soon Grandma was laughing because Dallas had captured the pigeon walk perfectly—head forward…stop…head back…stop.

“If you’re a pigeon, Dallas, you better have some popcorn,” Grandma said when they reached the sidewalk vendor. She bought some and they sat down on a bench to eat it. Soon pigeons were all around their feet. “I think you’re feeding more popcorn to the birds than you’re eating yourself,” said Grandma. Dallas grinned and pretended to peck at his popcorn the way the pigeons did.

As they walked home, Dallas again imitated the way pigeons walk. “Why do they walk like that, Grandma?” he asked.

“I’m not sure, Dallas. I once read it’s because they can’t adjust their eye focus while they move. In order to see where it’s going, a pigeon has to stop and be completely still until it can see clearly, and then it can go on.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t like that!” Dallas said. “I don’t like to stop. I like to run fast!” He dashed down the sidewalk, then turned and waited for Grandma.

Grandma laughed. “Well, even though we’re not pigeons, they’re a good reminder of what our walk with Jesus should look like. The Bible tells us to stop now and then and be still before God.”

“Before God? What does that mean?” Dallas asked. “I can’t see God, whether I stop or not!”

“No, but we need to stop once in a while and be still so God can speak to us,” Grandma said. “I hope you’ll remember to take some time every day to be still with Jesus. Read your Bible, pray, and just quietly wait for Him to speak to you—be still and know that He is there and that He loves you.”

“People don’t really hear God’s voice, do they, Grandma?” Dallas asked.

“Not out loud—but as you think about what He says in the Bible, you’ll know in your heart and mind that God is talking to you,” Grandma replied. “Be sure to do whatever He tells you to do!”

Dallas nodded. “Okay, Grandma. I’ll be still like a pigeon.” Raelene E. Phillips

How About You?

Do you hear God talk to you? Or are you too busy to listen? If you’re too busy to spend time with Jesus, you’re too busy. Learn today’s Key Verse and practice doing what it says. Read God’s Word and think about what He’s saying to you. Think about Jesus’ promises and what He’s done for you. Ask Him to teach you to always trust and obey Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Listen to God