My love of God speaking to me through His creation was truly blessed by 2 events recently. I love how that happens through a simple event that He then uses to speak profoundly to me. I think I sometimes miss that happening when I'm not watching, listening, and observing as much as I should. But these 2 events just stood out!
The first had to do with the baboons that we have around off and on. In the last while we had them in our neighborhood for over a week. They were here in large numbers the day the massive storm hit. The rain was coming down steadily and the wind was blowing powerfully. I looked out at my front deck/porch which is sheltered and saw quite a few of the baboons taking cover there. One young one tucked safely under it’s mother.
As I was observing all this, I knew it was a lesson for me! No matter what storm comes my way (and there's been a few new ones) - God will hide me in His shelter and protect me. I don't need to fear or be nervous of what is happening - God has a sheltered place in His heart for me to hide. He is watching over me - caring for me. It was a wonderful reminder to me - especially in the midst of the blowing storm.
A friend has 2 birds, a mother and father, that have been nesting in her garden. They take turns sitting on the nest - almost like a scheduled rotation. And if anyone comes near, the one not nesting spreads its wings and comes running as a warning to keep away!! We were concerned about what would happen to the baby if it hatched during the storm.....but fortunately it only happened a couple days later.
I was at my friend's house a few days ago and was anxious to see the little one that had hatched. I was standing a good distance away, but the mother bird was nervous. She spread her wing over the little one to protect it. It was so touching - and, of course, reminded me of the verses that God says He'll do that for us. I came home and sat quietly - just absorbing the beauty and truth of what I'd seen. When anything threatening comes my way, God shelters me under His wings.
"God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths; even if the seas roar and rage, and the hills are shaken by the violence." Psalm 46:1-6
"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge." Psalm 18:2
"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him." Nahum 1:7
"He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge." Psalm 91:4
"My soul takes refuge in You; and in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by." Psalm 57:1
There have been countless times in recent years when God sheltered me and hid me under His wings. I am so grateful for that! The baboons and the birds reminded me that He's still doing that in things that are coming my way. He is so good and faithful! And I'm going to keep watching for ways He's speaking to me through His awesome creation!
A friend shared a song with me a few days ago - "Mary Did You Know" by Peter Hollens. Although I knew the song, I had never heard this rendition. It's a beautiful acapella version where he amazingly sings 6 parts of harmony himself! Growing up I sang in church choir, school choir, and a girls trio. I love beautiful harmony! It touches my soul. This song has stuck in my brain, and I find myself singing/humming it repeatedly.....even waking up in the night with it on my mind. In doing so, I've thought a lot about the lyrics.
An angel came to Mary about her bearing the Son of God. We'll never know how much she fully understood the implications of that - but she said a resounding "yes" to the Lord. She couldn't have known - He would walk on water, heal the blind and deaf, calm the storm, and give His life for mankind. But she said "yes" in an amazing act of faith and obedience. I can't begin to imagine how she felt when she saw her Son crucified. She was a courageous woman in saying "yes" in spite of all the unknowns of the future!
I can't say what I would have done in her place, but I know I've said "yes" to the Lord in many situations throughout my life......and with certainly not having a clear understanding of the implications of that "yes." Saying "yes" to the Lord involves trust - trust that He knows what He's doing and will help us with what is to come. He never gives us more than we can bear in response to that "yes."
I can remember singing the song - "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea; I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be." We sing it so easily in a moment of commitment in a church service.....and then we're surprised when something difficult comes up in response to that commitment.
I don't fully understand - but I know that the recent years in Floyd's life and my life have something to do with things we've said "yes" to. I probably won't fully understand until eternity. I guess I could be asked "Sally did you know." I didn't! But God knew, and He has walked faithfully by my side in everything. I couldn't ask for anything more - and, seeing His faithfulness, I know I can face whatever is still ahead.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
"I will trust in your unfailing love...I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me." Psalm 13:5,6
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance." James 1:2,3
"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!" Psalm 34:8
"For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." Psalm 103:14
"The Lord goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8
Mary didn't know what was ahead - Floyd didn't know - I didn't know, and still don't know - but God knows! And He will be with us every minute of every hour of every day in whatever comes our way! What a wonderful God!
