The days are getting shorter now. The trees have shed their fiery leaves, and a chill hangs in the Minnesota air, and winter has arrived. The bird feeders are buzzing with finches and sparrows since their normal food supply is covered in snow.
I often wondered where they sheltered in the winter, though they seemed to stay nearby. But where were they hiding when they weren't feeding? I looked into it and found out that when snow falls, and icy winds blow, chickadees retreat into hidden places: a hollow in a tree, a dense evergreen, or a tangle of brush that shields them from the storm. They don’t migrate south or give up the fight. They wait it out, sustained by the food they’ve stored and the warmth God placed within them.
It’s a quiet picture of faith.
There are times in our lives when storms come—circumstances that chill our spirit and make us feel invisible, unseen, or forgotten. Like the chickadee, we may need to retreat into the shelter of God’s presence, trusting that He’s sustaining us in ways the world can’t see. That retreat might mean faithfully going to church when you don’t feel like it, pulling out your Bible and meditating on His promises, or being refreshed and encouraged by others in your small group. Meditating on God’s Word and staying connected to other believers brings warmth to the soul—it’s often how God carries us through difficult seasons as revealed in Psalm 91:1 (NKJV) “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Take Luis for example. His company downsized just before the holidays, and fear crept in like the cold. But within weeks, a friend from church connected him to a new job—one that not only met his needs but also gave him time to visit his aging mother whose time on earth would soon end. God didn’t just comfort his heart; He provided in a tangible way.
Then there’s Kim. She’s been faithfully caring for her husband through a long and difficult illness, feeling stretched thin and often unnoticed. With her husband unable to work, their finances had dwindled to almost nothing. Yet, in God’s perfect timing, several friends—each unaware of the others—felt prompted by the Lord to send generous financial gifts. Their obedience met Kim and her husband’s immediate needs and became a powerful reminder of God’s tender care. Overwhelmed with gratitude, they recognized the unmistakable hand of God’s love at work in their lives.
And finally, young Emma—a college freshman far from home. When anxiety and loneliness hit hard, she turned to prayer, asking God for peace. The very next day, she met a classmate who invited her to a campus Bible study. Through that small step, God surrounded her with friends who helped her faith grow strong.
Each of these stories is a reminder that God is not only a shelter for the soul but a present help in the real details of life.
So if this season feels cold or lonely, remember the little chickadee. You may be hidden for a time, but not forgotten. God’s care surrounds you, and when the storm passes, you’ll spread your wings again and sing your song in the light.
“The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him.” — Nahum 1:7 (NLT)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the quiet reminders in nature that You are always near. Help me to rest in Your protection when life’s storms rage and to trust that, even when unseen, You are working in my life—in both the spiritual and the practical ways I need most. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
