Shield of Love
This morning I went out to the backyard to check the hummingbird feeder to see if the juice needed to be replaced. It only lasts a couple days before it starts to get foggy and look like maybe there should be a warning sign for the hummingbirds - "Drink at your own risk!" Anyway, the juice was foggy and I could see some stringy things floating around in it so I went inside to make a fresh batch of juice. While I was waiting for the water to boil, I kind of watched the feeder to see if any hummingbirds came to take a drink. One did. But just as he (or she) was about to dip in and drink, another hummingbird flew from somewhere and chased the drinker away. They both flew off and neither one took a drink. Now, keep in mind I do have a good imagination, but as I was observing this, my thought was that the second hummingbird was standing guard somewhere and warning the hummingbirds not to drink the juice. As if shielding them from disastrous consequences or a sore tummy at the very least.
Well, the juice has been changed and is fresh and sweetly yummy for my little friends the hummingbirds. So no worries for all of you that were fearful I was poisoning those delightful creatures. Truthfully, the second hummingbird was probably just being a stinker. But isn't the thought that he was acting as a shield or protector kind of a cool idea?
A shield conjures up thoughts of strength, protection, power, soldiers in battle. My hands are clenched as I reread those words. Just saying the word SHIELD, causes me to envision a huge silver embossed shield that weighs a ton and has been through many battles. That mighty shield is always protecting the bearer, allowing him (or her) to ward off the many blows that come.
Sometimes in my day to day life I wish I had a shield to protect me from hurts or disappointments. A big - huge - weighs a ton - silver protective shield that wards off the blows of life - "real or imagined". I could place it over my head and nothing could touch me or my heart. Because it is my head that thinks things into existence and my heart that hurts. I don't imagine I am alone in this way of thinking.
What I fail to remember is that I am covered by a shield. A shield of love. God's love. God's love! If I will just cling to Him when the hurts and disappointments come - He will protect my heart with His comfort. If I will turn to Him when my thoughts begin to run wild and imagine things - I will think truth. It is when I am far from Him that I wish I had a shield. When in fact I already have one, I am just not using it.
Father in heaven, You surround me with your shield of love. Help me always be aware of your presence - so very real. Amen.
"For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
