Living as Ones Who are Known

 Living as Ones Who are Known

 SCRIPTURE READING — PSALM 50:1-15

“I know every bird on the mountains. . . .”

—  Psalm 50:11

One day, as we were hiking a mountain trail, my son and I heard a bird song that was unlike anything we had heard before. We stopped and looked at each other in amazement, listening to the bird repeat its long, intricate song over and over. I know a few birds by their songs, but there are still many that I don’t know yet. Some people, though, can identify hundreds of birds by their sounds. In this psalm God says, “I know every bird on the mountains. . . .” To consider that God knows every bird isn’t just to say that God is the most advanced birder there is. It means that nothing in all of this world escapes God’s attention. There is no creature, animal or human, that is outside of his field of vision, no song he hasn’t heard, no call or cry he doesn’t recognize, no flight pattern or footprint he can’t identify.

Not only does nothing escape God’s attention, but nothing can fool him either. The one who knows every bird urges us to be real, not false, in our relationship with him. God calls us to be sincere in worship—not just to pretend or go through the motions. We are to honor God in all we do, fulfilling our vows to the God who keeps his promises. And we know we can “call on [him] in the day of trouble,” for the Lord, who knows all the birds, will always hear our cry and meet our need.

Father in heaven, it’s humbling to be reminded that you know us so well. Help us to trust that you always hear us and care for us. Amen.

To Be at Rest

 SCRIPTURE READING — PSALM 55:1-8, 20-23

I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.”

—  Psalm 55:6

Have you ever had the desire to fly? Do you ever wish you could just leap up and fly away for some peace and quiet?

Sometimes in life, the troubles we face can cause deep inner turmoil. We may struggle with our mental health, a physical disability or disease, a relationship that feels stuck, a difficult career, a deep disappointment or loss, a cycle of poverty, or something else. Many different things can make us feel trapped.

When David wrote this psalm, he was feeling disillusioned and stuck. He was distraught by the situation he was in, and he felt betrayed by a friend. He desperately wanted a way out and dreamed of being like a dove so he could fly far away from all his troubles.

But as he wrestled with his discouragement, he grew to understand that although he did not have wings to fly away, he did have a voice to call upon God. The solution to being released from life’s burdens isn’t to escape but to give them up to the Lord: “Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”

Echoing the assurance of this psalm, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. . . . Learn from me . . . and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Lord and God, thank you that even when we are surrounded by troubles that we would rather escape, you give us the wings of prayer and you promise to sustain us. Help us to cast our burdens on you. Amen.

Under His Wings

 SCRIPTURE READING — PSALM 91:1-16

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

Psalm 91 shows that God, “the Almighty,” is not intimidating or frightening. Instead, God is so gentle and concerned for everyone that they can find refuge in him like hatchlings under the care of a hen. As God’s people, we can trust the Lord fully because he will surround us, guard us against dangerous threats, and deliver us.

Resting in the shadow of God’s protective wings means that we don’t need to be afraid of chaotic things happening around us. There is a time for us to walk courageously into situations with God’s help, and there is a time to retreat and be still in his caring presence. If you ever have the privilege of watching chicks take cover under a hen’s wings, you’ll see that they stay very still and quiet, completely out of view of danger, while the hen is alert and watchful and will do whatever she can to protect her young.

Jesus uses similar imagery when he expresses his desire to gather up the people of Jerusalem and protect them (Luke 13:34). He is gentle and makes space for us near to his heart.

Lord, help us constantly to stay close to you so that when danger threatens, we will be safe in your care. Gather us in and hold us close. Amen.

Appreciating God’s Creation

 SCRIPTURE READING — PSALM 104:1-18

The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.

—  Psalm 104:12

When life feels chaotic and messy, it can be wonderfully therapeutic to look at creation and see how marvelously diverse and joyful God made it to be. There is order and purpose everywhere in God’s good design, and the more we learn about the earth and its creatures, the more we can celebrate how amazing it is.

If you’re feeling out of sorts or discouraged, try watching a nature documentary about flamingos or weaver birds, cockatoos or hummingbirds. When you do, consider that Christ was there in the beginning, overseeing everything and taking great delight in the creation of this magnificent planet (Colossians 1:15-20).

Spending time in wonder and awe as we consider God’s extraordinary, well-ordered creation can help us appreciate our place in the order of things too. This can also lead us to feeling grounded and secure rather than tossed about by the sometimes merciless systems created by humans.

Pondering the marvelous works of God—the mountains; the water cycle; the birds, animals, insects, and sea creatures; and all the forests and plants they depend upon—can also lead us to worship. Recognizing all of this splendor with gratitude to God can deepen our connections both to God and to his world, filling us with the desire to lift up our hearts in praise and adoration.

God of wonders, draw our attention to your glorious works so that we might know you better, inviting all peoples to praise and honor you. In Jesus, Amen.