The Cardinal Sings for Me
Hearing God’s Voice in Adversity A Devotional
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The Cardinal Sings for Me We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22–25 Life these days is strange and scary and weird. Each day brings more bad news about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are told to stay home. My oncologist told me yesterday that, if at all possible, I should not leave the house. For some of us, not leaving the house means we are all alone. It is normal and natural to feel some discouragement, anxiety, and fear. We can give all we feel to God and ask him to help us experience his presence. In his presence there is peace and hope. Hope is an anchor for our souls, firm and secure. Sarah Young writes in Jesus Today: “A ship in turbulent waters needs to drop anchor in a safe place. In stormy weather, a large ship may be unable to enter the safety of a harbor because of the wild waves buffeting the boat. So, a smaller boat may be used to carry the ship’s anchor through the breakers into the harbor. When the anchor is dropped there, the ship is secured—even though it is still in rough waters.” We can help each other drop our anchors in the promises of God. Send a text, email, make a phone call. Let’s help each other feel connected to God and to one another. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 ESV). I carry a miniature cardinal in my pocket. I also collect cardinal trinkets, and not because of the Major League baseball team, although I’m originally from Saint Louis. Cardinals are a symbol of hope and of God’s presence. Emily Dickinson wrote, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” There were and are times when I desperately need hope to perch in my soul. A friend wrote this poem to go with a painting of a cardinal: In all the splendor of split glory Divine Against the winter’s snow, May each of us say In Hope’s surety restored That the cardinal sings, For me, for me, The cardinal sings for me. PRAY: O Lord, when my soul is downcast and disturbed within me teach me to put my hope in you. Let me hear your joyful call and lift my voice to praise you. Thank you that you alone are my Savior and my God. Amen. RESPOND: I will rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Teach me to understand that you will never abandon me. I will look for glimpses of your presence everywhere. I will strain my ears to hear your voice. I will listen for the cardinal’s song and sing it to others. Response by Julie Kersten Ake, congregant of Northwest Covenant Church, Mount Prospect,
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About the Book
Although God seems silent—sometimes even absent—during times of adversity and pain, we can still hear him if we listen closely. For these are the times when God is needed most.
In a posthumous collection of devotions originally shared with his congregation during his battle with cancer and their own struggles through a global pandemic, Pastor Richard Lucco takes believers on a spiritual journey offering moments of intimacy, growth, and transformation. The nine-part presentation features original artwork by Pastor Kari Lindholm-Johnson inviting the reader to meditate exploring the ancient practices of visio divina. Through scripture passages, sacred songs, and literature selections, Lucco creates opportunities for holy encounters with God. His personal reflections describe how God answers our cries for help much like the cardinal’s sweet song reminds us of his presence, comfort, reassurance, guidance, and enduring love even in the winters of our lives. Included with the devotions are responses that tell how believers were transformed by Pastor Lucco’s words and wisdom.
The Cardinal Sings for Me is a collection of daily devotions inspired by scripture, sacred writings, and artwork that guides those struggling with adversity to find hope through reflection, meditation and prayer.
About the Author
Richard Lucco was a pastor, leader, and storyteller who was passionate about helping others find hope in sorrow, discover gratitude in despair, persevere in suffering, and grow closer to God during life’s most difficult times. He and his wife, Valerie, had four sons and several grandchildren. Richard died in May 2022.