Protection in the Shade

A flicker of movement, a flash of color, what was it that drew my eyes to a bush at the corner of the house? I just happened by that particular window moments before on a cleaning mission but God provided a brief interruption! In reality, I know that is wasn’t happenstance that sent me in the direction of the window; God was going to give me a lesson.

This bush was full of birds! Cardinals, the bright red male and the duller colored female, maybe a chickadee or two and quite possibly a few wrens made up the crowd of feathery visitors. I was surprised at the number of different birds all sharing that bush, but then as I looked further I could see the birdfeeders that hang in the Bradford pear tree were a straight shot from their vantage point in the bush. Aha, they were using my shrub as a staging area before making a fast flight to the birdseed. But why, in a bush where leaves and branches hid them from my sight so well? Protection is the answer, camouflaged in and amongst the branches they were safe from predators. This quickly brought to mind one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 91.

Psalm 91 begins like this, “Living in the Most High’s shelter, camping in the Almighty’s shade.” (CEB) Just as these birds were using my shrubbery for protection, we can do the same in our walk with God. Our heavenly Father offers us protection against our adversary the devil. By living and walking with Christ as our Savior we find refuge and protection under His wings. (Vs. 4)

Did I mention how much I love this Psalm?? Look on to verses 14 -16 and make this a personal prayer. I marked up my Bible some years back and I write here as I read it each and every time.

“Because Lucy hath set her love upon me, therefore will I deliver her; I will set her on high, because she hath known my name. She shall call upon me, and I will answer her: I will be with her in trouble; I will deliver her and honour her. With long life will I satisfy her and shew her my salvation.” (KJV)

Is this not a beautiful promise? Make it your own and pray it back to God when you have your devotional time.

Remember the scene of the birds in the bush? Our creator provided that shelter for our feathered friends but He so much more desires to care for you. We are taught this in Matthew 10:29-31, and as you read that passage, let the last line really sink in…”You are worth more than many sparrows.” (CEB)