“How precious is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7(NIV)
Nesting
“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.”
Psalm 61:3-4 (NIV)
Each year when nesting season arrives I’m always amazed at the skill that goes into preparing the empty bird house I hang on a branch into the perfect place to lay eggs and raise a brood. Sticks of the right size, shape, and texture are chosen then woven tightly together into a fortress for the family. Second hand shopping comes next with castoff string, feathers, cloth, or whatever’s available being collected to use as lining in the nest for added comfort and insulation. This process takes a while as things go in and others come out until the new dwelling place is ready to welcome its precious inhabitants.
Not too long ago my grand-“chicks” did the same thing. I provided the empty “tent” and they went to work making it exactly as they wanted it. They placed chairs in precise positions to keep unwanted visitors out. Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and a myriad of toys were hauled in to make the space familiar and comfortable. (Not much was brought back out-they do like their stuff!) Finally, after much positioning and repositioning their private refuge from the world was ready for its occupants.
That nesting desire is in all of us, I think. There’s something inside that urges us to search for a place of retreat and rest, somewhere we feel comfortable and protected. As I ponder this, it occurs to me that for we who dwell in this far from perfect world, perhaps what we long for isn’t actually a where but rather a Who.
The Psalmist reminds us, and I don’t know about you but I often need it, that GOD is our refuge. HE is our fortress. HE is where we find shelter. When trouble comes, sorrow fills, fear threatens, and anything else we may be wanting to escape from, HE is our stronghold. Through prayer, Scripture, and worship we find our way to Him. He’s ready. He’s got us covered. God, is waiting to welcome us home.
My kiddos used to do the same thing. I loved watching their creations take shape. Sometimes they even let us in.
My kids did it too and my sisters and I made them when we were young! It’s fun to now help my grandsons enjoy it too! Thank you for stopping in Barb. It is a blessing to me!
You have been writing often and each piece is a so beautifully written. You share absolute truth with such deep meaning my heart is touched. God must be proud of you for sharing his message by using the gifts He’s given you. Your dedication to working for the Lord is evident.
Jane my friend, thank you. To God be the glory! I am enjoying the process of seeing where He takes me with these prompts. I’m also having fun trying to find Psalms and pictures to go with them. I can’t thank you enough for your encouragement and kind comments. You will never know how much it means to me!