Last summer, a mama robin built her nest in the gutter which is located underneath the edge of the roof above our large living room picture window. A friend of mine jumped, nearly panicking when she saw this robin flying toward the window. She thought the bird was going to crash against the glass and injure or kill itself.
My friend did not see that the bird was flying into a nest of safety because her vision did not extend high enough. How often in an uncertain and difficult situation, my vision has been too low!
Viewing my circumstances through the lens of humanity’s limited knowledge and wisdom, I become overwhelmed with worry. Jesus knows that is our tendency. So he reminds us, as his followers, to gain instruction from the birds.
“Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are? And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:26 NET)
In Psalm 84, David, the shepherd boy who became King, speaks of birds finding a home and swallows building a nest to raise their young in the protected and peaceful place of God’s presence.
Sometimes, instead of God’s presence, my eyes are on the storm. I fear that I will crash.
Again, Jesus, my vision is too low. In this thing, which you allowed, I imagine only destruction. Help me see above this storm. Or else, take my hand and walk me though it. In this thing, which you allowed, Let me not be blinded by deception. Help me see above the storm. Jesus, I need a vision adjustment About this thing which you allowed; My body shakes. I’m filled with tension. Your power’s greater than this storm! That I've said; there’s much knowledge in my head. In this thing, which you allowed, My heart longs to trust your intention, to believe there is goodness in this storm. Jesus, you have earth’s and heaven’s vision. This is a thing you allowed Yourself to feel! So with compassion You will enter the storm I am in. Calm my anger, remove my confusion. Is there something I've allowed Myself to hide? With faith's perception, Help me walk with you 'til all storms end. Jane Ault 10/24/2019