Birdwatching
Opening Prayer
Loving Heavenly Father, I thank You so very much for Your constant, loving and daily care for me.
Read PSALM 91:1-16
[1] He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [3] Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. [5] You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, [6] nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. [8] You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. [9] If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the LORD, who is my refuge- [10] then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. [11] For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; [12] they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. [13] You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. [14] “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. [15] He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. [16] With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What characteristics of God are praised here?This psalm reminds me of an osprey’s nest I saw recently in the Lake District in England. Perched high on top of pine trees, the nest looked impregnable and a safe place to live. But it also looked exposed and at risk. Similarly, the psalmist captures both our security and vulnerability as God’s people.
We can praise God for our vulnerability, however, because we are assured that as we love him, acknowledge him, dwell in him and call upon him, he will protect us, send his angels to guard us (10,11), be with us, satisfy us, and rescue us if need be (14). As Ezekiel proved, our strength is in God, even though our vulnerability remains.
Let’s return to the ospreys. A few months after I saw them, the mother left to fly back to Africa, leaving the father to train the three fledglings in flying and fishing. Then all four of them would join mother in warmer climes to avoid the perils of an English winter. Such adventure, trust, care and provision is not just “for the birds”!
Apply
If you’re worried, look at the birds and praise God that you’re much more valuable to him than they (Matt. 6:26).
Closing prayer
O Lord, I know how much and how well You care for me. May I never, ever forget it!
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