Cover of her wings

Psalm 91:4 (ESV)

He will cover you with his pinions,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings.

The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had singed her small body, the mother remained steadfast. She had been willing to die so those under the cover of her wings would live.

What a great example of what the Lord has done for each of us.  He didn’t have to stay on the cross and fie for our sins, but He did out of His great love for us.

Dear Lord, we thank You for the reminders that You give us in nature of Your great love. Help us to never take it for granted. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Covered by His wings

Psalm 36:7 (ESV)

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

    The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Homing pigeons are amazing birds. They will fly home from as far away as 500 miles, at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They were extensively used during the First and Second World Wars to deliver important messages. The hen will lay two eggs, and both the cock and the hen will sit on these eggs, the cock for 8 hours during the day and the hen for the other 16 hours. It takes 18 days for the eggs to hatch, and in 24 days, the fledglings are ready to leave the nest.

But the thing that amazes me, as well, is that both adult birds will cover their young with their body and wings, all the time when they first hatch, and later, only when it is cold. They seem to know when the little birds need their protection and when they don't.

And isn't that the way it is with us? Sometimes we struggle, mentally, physically, or spiritually, and then, the Lord will talk to us through His Word and comfort us, even when words fail us.

How precious is God's lovingkindness indeed! When we are in trouble, we can come to Him, and He will protect us. We can put our trust in Him.

The little pigeons depend on the protection of the parents and they will look after them when they need it. Just so, we depend upon God. He calls us through His Word, and He will gather us as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.

Dear Lord, there are so many times when we need Your protection. Thanks You for the ability to speak to You, and knowing that You will hear us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.