Becoming a new grandmother has caused me to reflect back when I was a new mother over 30 years ago. I dug out my daughter’s baby book and relished reading through it again, discovering her significant milestones, her favorite books and toys, family outings, etc. And I remember how protective I was of my new daughter.
I also remember an early spring walk a couple of years ago when I saw an interesting site. A tiny bird was chasing a much larger bird in midair. It was quite a sight as the little bird darted back and forth, at times getting fearlessly close to the larger bird. Back and forth they flew, zigzagging and circling overhead.
At first I was puzzled, expecting the larger bird to turn at any moment and give chase to the smaller one. Then it dawned on me—the smaller bird might be a mother bird protecting her nest that was nearby. The larger bird was possibly a predator after the eggs or young hatchlings. When the midair confrontation finally stopped and the larger bird flew away, I began to think about several scriptures in the Bible where God is anthropomorphically described as a bird with wings of protection:
- He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4 NIV)
- I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:4 NIV)
- How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7 NIV)
- I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed. (Psalm 57:1 NIV)
We need to remember that we have a God who fiercely protects His own. And just like that little bird who flew over and over again at the perpetrator, He will protect those who trust in him.
