The Dove's Coo!

Job 36:16 - “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. (NIV)

Do you want to experience the unfathomable love of God? Indeed, He is even now wooing us unto Himself by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

I asked the Lord what He would have me share in regard to our relationship with the Holy Spirit. I felt impressed to keep this simple. This impression was confirmed when early Sunday morning before church He beckoned me to sit alone in my opened garage. Amidst the cheerful sound of chirping birds, I heard the distinct cooing of doves. Because I was there to hear Him, the cooing was immediately quickened.

As believers, we are aware that often the Holy Spirit is portrayed as a dove—his characteristics and style. The dove also symbolizes “peace”.

John 26-27 –  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (NKJV)

So, what is it that the Lord was attempting to show me?

First, I believe it essential to acknowledge that the dove will never cast us out, but lovingly draw us to Him by a distinct call.

John 6:37 – All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (NKJV)

John 6:44 – No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. (NKJV)

Adult doves have two major calls: First, a regular “cooing” tone usually uttered with the neck stretched up and the throat blown out. Spiritualizing the effort would indicate an alarm or warning to pay attention. Secondly, a quiet tone uttered without inflating the throat, for purposes of contact and appeasing a mate, which includes reminding us of whose we are. This call, obviously, speaks of intimacy.

From childhood until now, we have been beckoned to a journey of the heart—a journey filled with intimacy, adventure, and beauty—a sacred romance that also meets with necessary risks. Ignoring the whispered call of the dove is like placing a great gulf fixed between two lovers.

SOS 5:6 – I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had turned away and was gone. My heart leaped up when he spoke. I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. (NKJV)

The Dove’s Coo calls to us in our own individual language: our fondest memories, our greatest loves, our noblest achievements, even our deepest hurts. The reward is certainly worth any risk.

My sisters, God Himself yearns for us. May I encourage you to pay the cost with time, sincere thanksgiving, worship and praise, obedience, and attentiveness. Yes, and even seasons of walking through the mud in the rain.

Though now I occasionally feel as old as white thread, I still dance on the clouds with Him, the One my soul loves. I still enjoy the warmth of His affection, the prickling of His manifested presence, the soothing of His whisper, and the pure ecstasy of His touch.  This Sacred Romance still strikes a chord in me that yet increase my longing for more.

If you crave for something more, even if you don’t know what that something is, then turn your face to Him—be still, and listen for His coo!