Last week I heard a new sound from inside my house.
Of course my first thought was, “What’s going to need to be repaired now?”
But the sound followed me as I moved through the house. I looked outside but didn’t see anything. And then I looked out the window and up . . . and saw the woodpecker knocking on the siding. I whacked the window and said aloud, “Nope, we are not doing that” (yes, out loud, just like I was at work). A few days later I heard him again, and this time I swear he looked right at me before he flew away.
He’s a cute bird. He doesn’t look scary or intimidating. If I saw him from a distance I might think he was a cute little black and white bird with a red head.
But he’s super annoying and can potentially damage my house. Has he been pecking while I’m at work, so I didn’t know?
And so I wonder:
What’s “pecking” at me?
Even worse, what’s “pecking” at me, but I don’t realize it?
I keep a card with this verse in my journal: “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Psalm 94:19 ESV (The NIV uses “anxiety” in place of “cares of my heart”). I’ve been intentional in writing down what things I’m worried about and what might be causing those worries. Let’s just say I’m a work in progress.
How does what’s “pecking at me” impact my life?
How does what’s “pecking” at me impact my interactions with others? Because we’ve all experienced it: something comes up in the morning that negatively impacts our mood for the rest of the day.
What do I avoid that’s “pecking” at me?
OR what do I not avoid that I should?
Scripture tells us what (and who!) we should avoid:
- Quarreling (Titus 3:2)
- Foolish controversies (Titus 3:9)
- Irreverent talk (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16)
- Hypocrites and false teachers (Proverbs 4:14-15; Romans 16:17; 2 Timothy 3:5)
What do I deny that’s “pecking” at me?
Truth? A change I need to make? Is this “pecking” in fact a good thing?
Is this “pecking” a disturbance in my heart?
“Let the word of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 ESV
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 ESV
Do you feel “off”? What’s pecking at you?
- the need to forgive
- the need to stop ruminating on a past experience
- the need to move on from what used to be
- the need to mend a relationship
- the need to put down an idol
Good news: God provides for our needs when we draw near to Him: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ESV
So let’s acknowledge the “pecking” in our lives and listen for (and to!) God’s guidance. Because He only wants His best for us, and He will honor our intention to follow His plans.
