Afraid of the Protector.

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Meet Ping and Pong, our Indian Runner ducks. We protect them from predators by giving them a fenced area to live in. They have food to eat, water to drink and even a “pond” to swim in. They love the pond. We close them in the chicken house at night with the chickens to keep out raccoons and foxes. We trained our cats not to see them as prey. However, after all that, they are afraid of us. They quack and “yell” at us when we get close and they run away. They are so silly looking when they run. It’s as if their little bird brains can’t figure out who to fear, and who to trust.

“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show me the wonders of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.”

Psalm 17:6-9 New International Version

David called out to God quite boldly expecting God to hear him, to hold him close, to interact with him as an intimate Father. David knew he could trust God to be his protector and provider. Far from running from God, David draws near and asks God to draw near to him as well.

So often I am more like Ping and Pong than David. I fear God because I expect Him to be some judgmental, condemning, overbearing type figure with expectations that I can never meet. I don’t really know why this is a battle for me. He shows Himself over and over to be a kind, loving protector and provider.

Dear Father, let us see you the way You are, the way You reveal yourself in Your Word. Teach me to run to You.

Copyright photo and text by David Brukiewa