‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

My husband informed me that we have a bird’s nest in our rose bush. The rose bush desperately needed trimming. I very delicately trimmed back the rose bush. As a result, we were able to see the nest was home to three baby birds. I was surprised because normally birds build their nest in a stronger foundation, however, this is a very hearty rose bush that provides added protection with rose thorns.

Here we have these tiny baby birds, completely dependent on another and their parents for survival. We are like those birds, needing God’s protection and guidance to survive. God is our firm foundation. Isaiah even instructs us that to fear the Lord is key. The birds have a natural fear of us as humans and the creatures that prey. If they didn’t have a healthy fear, they wouldn’t have the wisdom and knowledge of protection. 

How about you? Do you have a healthy, holy fear of the Lord? Do you rely on Him for wisdom and knowledge? Do you have the confidence that He is your protector?

Let’s take a moment to exalt Him. Dear God, I exalt You and lift Your name on High. King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s You reign. Thank You for my firm foundation. Give me the confidence I need to completely depend on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 6:33 NIV – But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

As most of you know by now, we love feeding the birds. They have such a calming presence and remind me not to worry. I encourage you to read the parable on worry from today’s key verse in Matthew. When the task in front of you is overwhelming, remember to seek God. How can we do this? We can whisper breath prayers throughout our day. These are short prayers as you inhale and exhale. Surrender is not one-and-done, it is a continual practice. 

Will you choose to worry? Or will you choose to surrender and seek God? Be reminded that if God takes care of the birds, He will take care of you and I. Take a moment to look up and thank God for the beauty He has given us. I encourage you to listen to the song “Look Up Child” by Lauren Daigle.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can seek You and find You. Thank You for taking care of the birds so that I can be reminded You take care of me. Help me to look up today and be thankful. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Psalm 32:7 NIV – You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Not long after moving into our home in 2020, I began working on creating a backyard bird sanctuary. First, we hung several bluebird houses along our fence. Next, we put out a bird feeder. Lastly, we hung a bird bath. We quickly gained a family of bluebirds. After a busy day, we have our own backyard sanctuary we can retreat to and find peace. 

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary sanctuary can mean the following: 

· Holy or sacred place

· Building or room for religious worship

· A place that provides safety or protection

· A wildlife 

· Protection from a difficult situation that is provided by a safe place

In this song, Sanctuary by Abby Robertson sanctuary can mean the following:

A place to find rest and strength from God’s love. Some of the lyrics sing; “When waters rise around me, you are my sanctuary.” 

Birds can be a reminder of how God protects us and takes care of us. This simpler life is an example of slowing down and finding joy and gratitude in the tiny details. 

Where is your sanctuary? Where do you run first when you need to rest in God’s presence and protection? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for providing safe shelter, a sanctuary I can turn to and find peace and protection. Help me walk on water today, knowing that I am surrounded by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.