Interpreting a sign

[JustALittleBit]

I could just be being whacko but wanted to ask about this anyway. My ex and I broke up a few months ago and I have found it difficult since (although difficult while we were in the relationship too, which is why we broke up). We haven't been in contact since and despite my attempts to move on there I haven't fully been able to.

 

Last night I was at a really low point. I have prayed for a long time for him to contact me, or for God to help me move on, or to give me that chance just to have even one last coffee with him so I could understand... I still love him and I want to be able to let that go with peace and move into a new chapter of my life. Anyway, so I was basically begging God and really quite depressed about my situation. I hold my head up during the day and keep on trying but I feel so empty with everything.

 

It felt like this time something shifted... I felt like God was disappointed in me, because I was no longer trusting him and things to work out as I have been really trying to. In a weird way it felt like he said "fine" and walked away. This morning when I woke up I felt bad about it, so I prayed again and this time for forgiveness and I just asked for something to show me that things are ok. And I went and looked outside and in my garden were two doves resting in the grass together. I haven't seen that before and almost brushed it off when I realised that animals are often used as a sign from God/the universe or whatever.

 

So I am wondering, how should I interpret this? My immediate feeling was of love and simplicity, and that God had indeed forgiven. But at the same time, although it was a welcome sign, it hasn't given me any direction and I am still left feeling like I am in limbo and struggling through each day (and my ex is still on my mind). It is a horrible feeling to have.

Edited May 1, 2013 by JustALittleBit

[OpenBook]

Maybe God is trying to tell you He's got it all under control, and He wants you to turn to HIM for peace (not to your ex to get closure, understanding, etc.)? Just a wild guess. That WAS a powerful sign though. He's definitely looking after you!! It has been my experience that whenever I hand it all over to God, the outcome is so much better than anything I could have brought about myself. I'm talking ABUNDANT happiness, great joy, tremendous relief. I hope you turn all your cares over to Him. It's the best thing you could do for yourself.

[TaraMaiden]

Listen:

If God won't stop wars in Afghanistan, prevent child trafficking, prostitution, paedophilia, cancer, Aids, disease, disability or murder - why on earth do you think he could possibly be interested in considering your problem as world-shatteringly important?

 

I'm sorry, but in terrestrial affairs of the heart, you cannot expect divine intervention to figure.

This is YOUR heart, YOUR mind - and YOUR free will.

You made bad choices.

Don't expect God to heal them for you.

 

Two doves?

Did you know that doves are viciously territorial and kill their rivals?

They can be extremely aggressive.

So forget reading signs, waiting for messages, asking God to sort you out.

Go No Contact, and be the one to help yourself.

 

"By all means call on God - but at least Row AWAY from the rocks."

[M30USA]

I think it means that the flood waters are going to recede and dry land is going to appear.

[TaraMaiden]

One dove, maybe... with a sprig of olive of in its beak. (how symbolic!)

 

do you suppose two indicate a serious summer drought, then?

[M30USA]

One dove, maybe... with a sprig of olive of in its beak. (how symbolic!)

 

do you suppose two indicate a serious summer drought, then?

 

OP,

 

Did you hear a voice from heaven saying, "This is my daughter, with whom I am well pleased"?

[TaraMaiden]

OP,

 

Did you hear a voice from heaven saying, "This is my daughter, with whom I am well pleased"?

 

 

Oh, stop now.....!

[Eve]

I could just be being whacko but wanted to ask about this anyway. My ex and I broke up a few months ago and I have found it difficult since (although difficult while we were in the relationship too, which is why we broke up). We haven't been in contact since and despite my attempts to move on there I haven't fully been able to.

 

Last night I was at a really low point. I have prayed for a long time for him to contact me, or for God to help me move on, or to give me that chance just to have even one last coffee with him so I could understand... I still love him and I want to be able to let that go with peace and move into a new chapter of my life. Anyway, so I was basically begging God and really quite depressed about my situation. I hold my head up during the day and keep on trying but I feel so empty with everything.

 

It felt like this time something shifted... I felt like God was disappointed in me, because I was no longer trusting him and things to work out as I have been really trying to. In a weird way it felt like he said "fine" and walked away. This morning when I woke up I felt bad about it, so I prayed again and this time for forgiveness and I just asked for something to show me that things are ok. And I went and looked outside and in my garden were two doves resting in the grass together. I haven't seen that before and almost brushed it off when I realised that animals are often used as a sign from God/the universe or whatever.

 

So I am wondering, how should I interpret this? My immediate feeling was of love and simplicity, and that God had indeed forgiven. But at the same time, although it was a welcome sign, it hasn't given me any direction and I am still left feeling like I am in limbo and struggling through each day (and my ex is still on my mind). It is a horrible feeling to have.

 

What I thought off was the friction you experienced; sensing God walk away. Now The Holy Spirit is also characterised as a dove and it is said that The Holy Spirit flees from us if we are basically not right with God, which you said you felt was present.

 

So, seeing the two doves could represent the need for a peaceful connection in order for you to see clearly; both God and this other person. In total, maybe you are being directed to connect with God in peaceful times also and not just in times of desperation?

 

Take care,

Eve

[JustALittleBit]

Thanks Eve and OpenBook. I also considered the symbolism of the Holy Spirit Eve and wondered if that might be relevant, as it did come back after I prayed again... I thought it might be a way of saying he is with me. I pray a fair bit so I am not sure if I am only turning to God in times of desperation, although on the whole I would obviously be more inclined to do that then... but I think that I am a lot more spiritual now than I have been previously and I think God will remain a part of my life on a day to day basis too - I try to keep up the habit of prayer to make sure it is in my thoughts. (But I will consider this more!)

 

And thanks too OpenBook, I will work on it more! I think I have enough experience to not deny that God plays a role in things, but in terms of handing things over - I think I am still waiting to see results with a lot of that so I find it difficult still to really believe that he plays an active role in my life.

 

And TaraMaiden, ignoring your sarcasm, I actually am in no contact and hardly rowing towards any rocks or sitting back. I just happen to believe there is more to life and am currently exploring it and hoping to get answers.

[KathyM]

It seems to me that you are praying and wanting to get back with your ex, but it may be that God knows that this man is not the right one for you. He may have someone else that He considers the right match for you. You are supposed to trust God to provide you with the right person for you and pray for patience to wait for this person that is the better match. By pleading with God to get back together with your boyfriend, you are not trusting God's decision. You are wanting your own will instead. God knows who is the right person for you, and you need to accept God's judgment on this. So rather than praying for reconciliation with this boyfriend, pray that God bring into your life the person He feels is best suited for you. And then pray for patience. Your peace will come from accepting God's will and trusting God to know what is best for you.

 

My sister had a string of failed dating relationships a couple of years ago, and it was when she decided to trust God to bring her the right person that she was given the most perfect person for her. A Godly man whom she is now very happily married to.

[M30USA]

It seems to me that you are praying and wanting to get back with your ex, but it may be that God knows that this man is not the right one for you. He may have someone else that He considers the right match for you. You are supposed to trust God to provide you with the right person for you and pray for patience to wait for this person that is the better match. By pleading with God to get back together with your boyfriend, you are not trusting God's decision. You are wanting your own will instead. God knows who is the right person for you, and you need to accept God's judgment on this. So rather than praying for reconciliation with this boyfriend, pray that God bring into your life the person He feels is best suited for you. And then pUray for patience. Your peace will come from accepting God's will and trusting God to know what is best for you.

 

My sister had a string of failed dating relationships a couple of years ago, and it was when she decided to trust God to bring her the right person that she was given the most perfect person for her. A Godly man whom she is now very happily married to.

 

Eh, I'm not sure what my take on this is anymore. I prayed excessively for the right spouse and thought God sent my ex wife as answer. Not true. But God works in higher ways than man. Who am I to say that he didn't send my ex to teach me certain things which I would not have learned otherwise?

[TaraMaiden]

.....And TaraMaiden, ignoring your sarcasm, I actually am in no contact and hardly rowing towards any rocks or sitting back. I just happen to believe there is more to life and am currently exploring it and hoping to get answers.

 

No sarcasm intended. I meant every word quite seriously.

 

I personally find it ludicrous that people pray to God with regard to their relatively insignificant personal problems, when life as a whole has far more serious issues which need addressing.

 

In affairs of the heart - terrestrial, personal and transitory factors - we need to find strength to cope with such ephemera ourselves. Seek strength and resolve, dignity and worth through God's grace - but getting a BF to come back....? Please....!

[M30USA]

I personally find it ludicrous that people pray to God with regard to their relatively insignificant personal problems, when life as a whole has far more serious issues which need addressing

 

Like repentance. I agree. Hmm...can't remember the last time I heard a celebrity pastor talk about repentance. Strange that John the Baptist, Jesus, and disciples seemed to preach repentance over all other things.

[JustALittleBit]

Wow Tara, you really are judgemental. Just because you deem something to be unimportant and not worthy of God's attention doesn't mean that everyone feels the same way. The way that I was brought up, God is an ear for everything and can be prayed to about anything however "insignificant".

 

Anyway, thanks KathyM. I think you are right. I don't think he is the right match for me and in many respects don't want to be with him, but there is that part of me that still does. I don't usually pray for reconciliation, just for a chance to see him one last time - I often think if I saw him again it would set me free because I really can't see myself still being attracted to him on that level. Just as a friend to say good bye and be done with it. And I don't even want someone new. At one stage I did, and now I just want to be ok, I don't mind being alone. Anyway, but thank you, I will try to have more trust.

[TaraMaiden]

Not judgemental. Just ex-Christian.

 

After 40 years or so, I moved on.....

 

And I have opinions on priorities, that's all.

[M30USA]

Not judgemental. Just ex-Christian.

 

After 40 years or so, I moved on.....

 

And I have opinions on priorities, that's all.

 

Maybe that's for the better. What did you move on from? I find that many Christians never hear the true words of Jesus at all. As Jesus, himself, said: narrow is the path that leads to life and few find it.

 

I can understand why people would eventually give up on Christianity. It doesn't jive with life. It pulls you the opposite way from all that you naturally want. But we are not called to be sons of Adam, but rather sons of God. Christianity is very much like suicide to the self. Unless someone takes the plunge, I can see why they'd eventually grow weary of the message.

[TaraMaiden]

I don't wish to take the thread off topic, M30USA, so I'd be happy to engage in discussion with you if you want to PM me.....

[Eve]

Thanks Eve and OpenBook. I also considered the symbolism of the Holy Spirit Eve and wondered if that might be relevant, as it did come back after I prayed again... I thought it might be a way of saying he is with me. I pray a fair bit so I am not sure if I am only turning to God in times of desperation, although on the whole I would obviously be more inclined to do that then... but I think that I am a lot more spiritual now than I have been previously and I think God will remain a part of my life on a day to day basis too - I try to keep up the habit of prayer to make sure it is in my thoughts. (But I will consider this more!)

 

And thanks too OpenBook, I will work on it more! I think I have enough experience to not deny that God plays a role in things, but in terms of handing things over - I think I am still waiting to see results with a lot of that so I find it difficult still to really believe that he plays an active role in my life.

 

And TaraMaiden, ignoring your sarcasm, I actually am in no contact and hardly rowing towards any rocks or sitting back. I just happen to believe there is more to life and am currently exploring it and hoping to get answers.

 

Well, I like your awareness. I think you are right to pay attention to the dream and the way in which you came to notice the doves. This really stood out to me when I read your post. I know those moments well.

 

Glad that you are growing in Christ. It is nice to see.

 

Thanks for the inspiration within your sharing.

 

God is with us.

 

Take csre,

Eve x

[pureinheart]

Wow Tara, you really are judgemental. Just because you deem something to be unimportant and not worthy of God's attention doesn't mean that everyone feels the same way. The way that I was brought up, God is an ear for everything and can be prayed to about anything however "insignificant".

 

Anyway, thanks KathyM. I think you are right. I don't think he is the right match for me and in many respects don't want to be with him, but there is that part of me that still does. I don't usually pray for reconciliation, just for a chance to see him one last time - I often think if I saw him again it would set me free because I really can't see myself still being attracted to him on that level. Just as a friend to say good bye and be done with it. And I don't even want someone new. At one stage I did, and now I just want to be ok, I don't mind being alone. Anyway, but thank you, I will try to have more trust.

 

I believe God to be interested in every prayer and every matter that enters our lives or concerns us in any way, shape or form...there is nothing insignificant where you are concerned, ESPECIALLY to God.

 

Oh Lord, now about the ex thing...I want to say be careful for what you pray for, you just might get it. This brings up a sorta funny story (now anyway, it wasn't funny then).

 

My now ex husband left me- the relationship was not of God, it was His permissive will and not His perfect will for my life. I called my friend who has a heavy anointing concerning prayer. I asked her that we pray for my ex to return- she said PIH, if we pray for this, he will come back, is this what you REALLY want...I said oh yes, yes, yes...she said ok.

 

He came back, then about a year later left me for someone else. My life flourished after that.

 

Concerning the doves, I think this was a sign- what I am picking up is the doves are representative of a new beginning in all things. Trust Him and He will send that right mate for you...and you were forgiven the moment you asked:)

[todreaminblue]

I could just be being whacko but wanted to ask about this anyway. My ex and I broke up a few months ago and I have found it difficult since (although difficult while we were in the relationship too, which is why we broke up). We haven't been in contact since and despite my attempts to move on there I haven't fully been able to.

 

Last night I was at a really low point. I have prayed for a long time for him to contact me, or for God to help me move on, or to give me that chance just to have even one last coffee with him so I could understand... I still love him and I want to be able to let that go with peace and move into a new chapter of my life. Anyway, so I was basically begging God and really quite depressed about my situation. I hold my head up during the day and keep on trying but I feel so empty with everything.

 

It felt like this time something shifted... I felt like God was disappointed in me, because I was no longer trusting him and things to work out as I have been really trying to. In a weird way it felt like he said "fine" and walked away. This morning when I woke up I felt bad about it, so I prayed again and this time for forgiveness and I just asked for something to show me that things are ok. And I went and looked outside and in my garden were two doves resting in the grass together. I haven't seen that before and almost brushed it off when I realised that animals are often used as a sign from God/the universe or whatever.

 

So I am wondering, how should I interpret this? My immediate feeling was of love and simplicity, and that God had indeed forgiven. But at the same time, although it was a welcome sign, it hasn't given me any direction and I am still left feeling like I am in limbo and struggling through each day (and my ex is still on my mind). It is a horrible feeling to have.

 

 

god gave us agency to make our own choices choose the right path or the wrong path...the ex in the past or the guy you have yet to meet...you have to choose, he does guide, but he doesnt make the choice....... i am schizo affective so i hear voices........really loud sometimes......i look for signs.....actively actually......i pray a lot.......especially when the voices come in thick.......one time i thought it was god talking to me.......telling me to kill myself i had family waiting to see me and i would be happy....that nearly took my life...me listening.......but luckily the voice in my heart.........told me to get up and tell someone what i had done.........i had that choice whether to lie there and die.......or get up and live....obvious what i chose.....it came down to me......

 

whatever you do it comes down to th echoices you make, you can pray and lsiten to your heart....you can pray for guidance allow god into your heart to guide you to comfort you when you dotn make th eright choices....but ultimately you cannot blame god if th echoices you make are nto the right ones.....you are responsible...that is what agency is...choice that carries responsibility.......

 

 

 

i wanted to see pelicans one day ...havent seen them in years......i ended up seeing four pelicans that day....four count them four pelicans.......now...

 

i chose to go on a walk at that time of day even though i got heat stroke and sunburnt...i chose to sit on the bench for hours ...and i chose to see the pelicans and not watch people at the pier instead.......i made a lot of choices that helped guide me to seeing the majestic pelicans skim across the blue blue water....you make your choices.....the doves...pretty...lovely........you choose to believe becausae you want to believe......because ultimately you will choose what you want to do in life.........i wish you well....and god blesses you in many ways....he does that for all of us..he delights in our happiness and shares our tears......maybe that is what rain is..who knows...i dont.........i just believe.....deb

[TheFinalWord]

I could just be being whacko but wanted to ask about this anyway. My ex and I broke up a few months ago and I have found it difficult since (although difficult while we were in the relationship too, which is why we broke up). We haven't been in contact since and despite my attempts to move on there I haven't fully been able to.

 

Last night I was at a really low point. I have prayed for a long time for him to contact me, or for God to help me move on, or to give me that chance just to have even one last coffee with him so I could understand... I still love him and I want to be able to let that go with peace and move into a new chapter of my life. Anyway, so I was basically begging God and really quite depressed about my situation. I hold my head up during the day and keep on trying but I feel so empty with everything.

 

It felt like this time something shifted... I felt like God was disappointed in me, because I was no longer trusting him and things to work out as I have been really trying to. In a weird way it felt like he said "fine" and walked away. This morning when I woke up I felt bad about it, so I prayed again and this time for forgiveness and I just asked for something to show me that things are ok. And I went and looked outside and in my garden were two doves resting in the grass together. I haven't seen that before and almost brushed it off when I realised that animals are often used as a sign from God/the universe or whatever.

 

So I am wondering, how should I interpret this? My immediate feeling was of love and simplicity, and that God had indeed forgiven. But at the same time, although it was a welcome sign, it hasn't given me any direction and I am still left feeling like I am in limbo and struggling through each day (and my ex is still on my mind). It is a horrible feeling to have.

 

A bad breakup can be very difficult to process...physically, mentally, and spiritually. It can lead to a state of chronic stress, which can drain the body.

 

In terms of signs, that is not my place to say.

 

One thing I am confident of is that God is not disappointed in you. If God marked down everything we did wrong, who could stand? David also experienced several periods of great despair in his life and had similar thoughts...here is his conclusion:

 

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

 

Another song of David...

 

As a father has compassion on his children,so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.

Would recommend to study

 

Playing Psalms 103 by Alexander Scourby - picosong

[KathyM]

God wants us to come to Him in prayer over everything that is on our mind--both the big things and the small. Nothing is insignificant. Anything that concerns us we are to bring before God in prayer. And have faith in His guidance, wisdom and decisions. He knows what is best for us. He has infinite wisdom.

[angel.eyes]

It's an interesting occurrence. I've never seen two doves sitting together in the grass. Birds don't usually just sit in the grass where predators can get to them easily.

 

Wow Tara, you really are judgemental. Just because you deem something to be unimportant and not worthy of God's attention doesn't mean that everyone feels the same way. The way that I was brought up, God is an ear for everything and can be prayed to about anything however "insignificant".

 

You are right. We are called to pray about our concerns. James 5:13-15 NKJV - Meeting Specific Needs - Is anyone - Bible Gateway

 

Not only are we repeatedly given this exhortation throughout the New Testament, but Christ constantly modelled our need to pray while he was on earth. It's part of how we are to have a personal relationship with God.

 

1 John 5:14-15 NKJV - Confidence and Compassion in Prayer - Bible Gateway

 

I don't think he is the right match for me and in many respects don't want to be with him, but there is that part of me that still does. I don't usually pray for reconciliation, just for a chance to see him one last time - I often think if I saw him again it would set me free because I really can't see myself still being attracted to him on that level. Just as a friend to say good bye and be done with it. And I don't even want someone new. At one stage I did, and now I just want to be ok, I don't mind being alone. Anyway, but thank you, I will try to have more trust.

 

I disagree with the bolded part. It's a little like the drug addict who feels one last hit will help while he is in the throes of withdrawal. This will likely only set you back, rather than help you become truly open to God's will for your life. That's where I think you need to focus your energy and attention.

 

Anyway, we never really get the closure we seek from the other person. I would stop looking to your ex for answers or closure. You won't find them there. Besides, you had sufficient difficulty within the relationship that you broke up with him. That doesn't sound like someone who is right for you. If I may, it sounds like wishful hoping that things could be different because there are things you did like about him, just not enough to counter his deficits.

 

I've been in your shoes before, and I don't have any great words of wisdom, other than to say that we all eventually end up where we are supposed to be. Worrying doesn't change the ultimate outcome. Patience and time reveal all. I would encourage you to let go of a particular agenda and have faith that you will end up where you are meant to be. You can gain tremendous peace when you do that.