The people of Israel will become like mighty warriors, and their hearts will be happy as if by wine. Their children, too, will see it all and be glad; their hearts will rejoice in the Lord. When I whistle to them, they will come running, for I have redeemed them.  Zechariah 10:7-8

     I have a wonderful childhood memory of my father who had the best whistle. We had a large family, and going someplace with everyone was a challenge. Keeping track of 6 kids in a store or at an outside event could be harrowing. “Where’s your sister?” “Somebody go find….”

      We didn’t own cell phones like we have now (my daughter will text me in the store to ask where I am). But we had something that worked just as well. My dad could whistle. It was one of those kinds of whistles that you hear when your team hits a homer: high and easily heard from a distance but not piercing or ear-shattering. It wasn’t a long drawn-out sound, just a short, energetic burst of resonance that, to me, represented safety and security. Funny how just a sound can do that, huh?

     If I was in a store and then realized I was alone and not sure where my parents were, just about the time I might panic, I would hear my dad’s whistle. Ah, he’s still here, he’s looking for me, I can find him now. I just follow the sound. Peace and reassurance.

     So this verse made me smile today: God says, “When I whistle to them, they will come running, for I have redeemed them.” I can’t say I have ever heard God whistle to me, but this verse took me back to the wonderful feeling of being fathered by someone who sought me, pursued me, waited on me, and gave me a way to be found.

     You may not know exactly where you are, or how you got to be there. You may not know if you can find your way back. Let me encourage you: God is whistling for you. He’s waiting for you to hear Him, so you can be found. Stop and listen. Follow the sound.  Start running towards Him. Peace and reassurance. Safety and security. Cause for rejoicing.

*Do you believe that God is pursuing you right now, waiting on you to listen for His call? How will you respond?

Father God, Forgive me for wandering off. Right now I’m not sure I can find my way back, except You are seeking me, pursuing me, loving me still. Whistle for me, Lord, so that I know the direction my first step needs to take. May I listen carefully, and then run toward You. I know You are with me on this journey. Help me to follow hard after You and embrace the way You father me. I am Yours, Amen.


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