Genesis 8:11 When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth.

By Alice Bulonza Nasekwa

After the flood that destroyed all living things on earth, only Noah was left and those that were with him in the ark. Before taking the next step to open the ark, Noah sent the dove as a messenger to examine the land.

Noah knew that the dove couldn’t have stayed on the ground if it weren’t safe because it was not just about Noah; it was also about the dove. When we are confused, God is also worried because he loves us more than everything we desire. God wants what is perfect for our lives; that’s why he sent the Holy Spirit to guide us.

When the dove brought the olive leaf, Noah knew that the water level had dropped. The dove helped Noah discern when was the right time to step out of the ark. The primary assignment of a messenger is to help by providing guidance; and in Matthew 3:16, the dove symbolises the Holy Spirit our helper (John 14:26).

Our prayer today is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide all our actions.