During my quiet time, while reading Psalm 91, I came to the above verse and suddenly remembered a precious true story some one had sent me via e-mail, over a year ago, that was such a picture of our sovereign Lord and His faithfulness to shield and protect us in a way only He can.

 

After the 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 the bird over with a stick.  Upon doing so, 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 had remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die, those under the cover of her wings would live.

 

The Lord has promised that He will always be with us (Matt. 20:28) and that He will never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5).  Though we go through times of testing and trials, and we will go through them (1 Pet. 1:6-8; 1 Pet. 4:12-13), we can rest in the promise of a Living God who always keeps His promises and is right there with us every step of the way, providing us with His strength (Phil. 4:13).

 

He doesn't really have wings, but what a comforting picture this is for us.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your faithfulness that knows no end.  Thank You for Your precious Word and the shelter and comfort I find there, in the shadow of Your wings.  Thank You that You are the Living God and are keenly aware of all the impending things that are to take place in my life today and that You are there providing me with Your strength to get through.  My Sovereign Lord I know You will not leave nor forsake me - ever, to You be all glory.  You are Jehovah Shammah, "the LORD is there", to You I give thanks and I praise Your glorious name.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

 

Have a joyous day in our awesome Lord!
April

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Encouragement From The Heart Website updated March 17, 2000 (note: web address changed).
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Scripture references (unless noted otherwise): The Open Bible, New American Standard
copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977
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