The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7 (ASV)
A predicted cold front brought dark, menacing clouds racing across the sky. Darkness threatened long before dusk. Blustery winds raged.
When I stepped onto my porch to move furniture to a safer place, I noticed a blue heron standing near the shoreline. He surveyed the lake. The impending weather forced me inside but he remained.
As the sky darkened, I noticed the blue heron knee deep in water in front of my house. His profile showed a strong, stoic bird. He stood erect and his long bill pointed toward the approaching storm. Wind swayed trees around him. Gusts whipped limbs and ruffled his feathers. Nevertheless, he stood like a statue as if defying the gales to knock him over.
He didn’t cower or hide. Not a bellow or whimper came from his mouth. He remained calm in the midst of the storm.
While I watched the majestic bird, I thought of the example he displayed of how to face difficulties and storms. Stand firm. Face it. Don’t let it knock you down.
For over a year, covid and its effects have battered the entire world. Lives, dreams and jobs have been devastated or destroyed. The virus swept away a sense of well being as everyone tried to cope with the invisible enemy.
Despite the horrific times, Jesus offers hope, love and encouragement to those who know Him. He helps us face the storms, stand strong, and defeat the winds of despair.
Unfortunately, our world is not back to normal and may never be completely. But as we continue to face storms, we don’t have to do it alone.
Heavenly Father, as we go through storm after storm and think there is no end, we can trust the Holy Spirit to be with us. Hold us up when we falter. Give hope when strength and peace are gone. Show love when the world gives none. Amen
