The Winter Refuge
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (ESV)
Have you ever wondered where animals and birds go to bed—especially in the height of winter when the temperatures plunge into the deep freeze. How prepared are they? When the snow drifts belly deep and the winds howl, where is their refuge? I am told that deer bunk down under large hemlock or pine trees. Smaller animals find shelter under or in logs and woodpiles. But birds? Jerusha Agen (All God’s Creatures) tells us about a bird experience that will cause you to stop and ponder. Here’s yet another life-lesson presented by God’s creature.
*****
A cold wind bit my cheeks as I opened the front door to bring in the package delivered earlier in the day. Suddenly, something flew out from the wreath hanging on the outside of the door.
I ducked, narrowly missing the flying object that vanished into the twilight. After catching my breath, I wondered if a bat or a bird had been in my wreath.
The next day, my cat sat inside the front door, staring up through vertical windows that were mostly covered by the evergreen wreath. I looked to see what had captured his attention.
A small finch fluttered its wings as it chose a spot to land in the wreath. I smiled as I caught glimpses of the darling bird nestling into the evergreen branches. Apparently, my wreath was going to be its winter home.
As winter continued, turning bitterly cold, I left the wreath up longer than normal so the little finch had a place to shelter from the elements. Every evening, the finch returned to the wreath and hunkered down for the night.
If I opened my front door after five p.m., I had to duck or shake the wreath before venturing out to avoid a collision with the bird. But no matter how many times the finch was spooked and darted away, it would always return as soon as possible to the safe shelter.
As I observed the finch, I realized it was setting an example for me. Too often I am lured away from the Lord by busyness or temptations. At other times, hardship and trials make me stop reading the Bible and spending time in prayer. But to survive and thrive in this life, I need to imitate the finch, I must return daily to dwell in the shelter of my God, where I will find refuge.
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5 (ESV)