Creatures in the Dark

 

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12 NIV)

 

A single light bulb illuminated my Bible and devotional books. Darkness wrapped my patio like an ebony cocoon. Unseen traffic from a nearby highway rumbled. 

 

            Eerie noises, like screeching voices, interrupted my devotional time. My eyes searched the shadows but saw nothing. 

 

            In my mind, possible hidden dangers lurked beyond my screen. The unusual commotion created dragons and menacing obstacles. 

 

            But as beams of light broke through the blackness, dawn revealed serenity. No ferocious creatures emerged from the forest or lake. Instead of hearing mysterious screeching, birds sang melodious songs.  

 

            In our chaotic world, constant voices shriek and bellow their agendas to cause fear and anxiety. Truth or lies about the virus, riots, injustice, jobs, politicians, health care…? Dangers lurk. Invisible dragons destroy order and harmony. 

 

            Answers won’t come from the government, politicians, the media or a friend’s post on Facebook. 

 

            God’s the answer. He removes fear and anxiety from our hearts and minds. He gives peace and joy in the midst of uncertainty and turbulence. His love endures forever. 

 

Loving Father, calm our hearts with your wisdom, faithfulness and compassion. Overtake our fears and give us peace. Amen

Visiting Cardinals

 

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 140:23-24 NKJV)

 

Anxiety crept into my bed and stole sleep. Disturbing news stories and conversations with friends distressed about the condition of our world added fear and uncertainty. 

 

            Praying and trying to ignore the turmoil didn’t work. A collection of tragic situations friends experienced added weight and squeezed hope from my heart. 

 

            Instead of praying to God, I had taken on the problems of my friends and the horrors of the world. No matter how many times the troubles swirled in my brain and disturbed my sleep, no solutions came from my little brain. Worry kept me from listening for His answers and didn’t provide any solutions. 

 

            Before dawn, I stumbled outside with my cup of tea. A spot of lamplight shined on my books. One reading after another spoke of peace, gratitude and trust in Jesus. As my focus turned to Him, anxiety started to melt away. 

 

 

            In my special haven, a vibrant sunrise displaced darkness and covered the sky. Dew drenched blooms bordered my patio and sparkled in sunlight. Songbirds welcomed the dawn with delightful melodies. 

 

            A pair of cardinals perched among yellow flowers in a bush a few feet from me. Their beaks nipped at leaves which also hid them from sight. They tweeted to each other and flew away. God adorned them in lovely feathers and provided just what they needed. 

 

            My serene retreat refreshed me as I pushed the world away and enjoyed creation around me. God’s Word, prayer and my daily devotionals calmed my heart. 

 

            In the distance, I heard rumbling traffic on the highway but could not see it. Nor could it join me in my sanctuary. 

 

            Reading the Bible and praying every morning before venturing out fortifies me and helps me avoid pitfalls of negativity consuming the world. I am protected and encircled in His love, wisdom and peace.  Trusting Him provides armor for whatever the world slams at me.

            If He cares for the cardinals, how much more He cares for you and me.  

 

Loving Father, protect us as we venture into the world. The Bible provides words of strength, comfort, and peace. Help us to focus on You and not unending troubles of this world. Amen