Dwelling in Safety

“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young.” Psalm 84:3a

How do you like the photo of my little friends on the left? Their mama and daddy built this nest in the spring anticipating their arrival. The nest was intricately constructed with beautiful flowers, moss, grass, and twigs. It’s in a precarious place atop my porch light, but apparently, the birds feel safe because they return every spring to make a new home. Only when the front door opens do they flee, shrieking in terror that “something” almost got them. 

The birds start singing every morning around 3:00 a.m. when they imagine the first hint of daylight. I say imagine because it’s still pretty dark to me. 

“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

One of the first things I realize upon awakening is the blessing of another day. I envy the bird’s ability to sing this to the world each morning. Often before I’m even fully awake, I began to talk to God about the day ahead. 

Sometimes humans dwell in an apparent safe place. We’ve created our perfect nest lined with beautiful things, content until something threatens our earthly trappings. While we shriek about superficial terror, we often hit the snooze button when it comes to spiritual threats.

Which would matter more?

• If my electricity were off for 24 hours or my access to God denied for 24 hours?
• If I lost my car keys or lost my Bible?
• If I were denied a promotion or a family member refused salvation?
• If the baseball game I attended went to extra innings or Sunday morning church service ran late?

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to keep my priorities straight, my focus on You, my life patterned after your Son, and my faith strengthened through your Word. 

If you have a prayer request, leave it in the comment section below or email me confidential requests. My contact info is under the heading marked “Talk to Me.”

Karen Redding, whom we’ve been praying for, is at home with hospice care. She is battling leukemia. Please pray for healing, comfort, and strength for Karen and husband Mike, who has also lost his job. 

Pray for baby Ava who has been born with a serious colon problem. 

Previous requests include several for employment as well as Courtney, TC’s father-in-law, and Piper’s family battling serious health issues. Remember those who requested prayer for difficult family situations and mental illness including depression. Please pray for one another as we share the Gospel with the unsaved. 

Our song this week is “I AM” by Mark Schultz. Join me in reflecting upon this simple yet powerful statement by the magnificent God we serve.  

 God bless,

Laura