Taking us under His wing.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

This cactus was seven feet tall when my husband needed to trim it down so we could paint our house. In the middle of the cactus, invisible to us until it was cut away, was this nest perched among the cactus spines. It was ingenious of the birds to create a home with this kind of protection. The neighbor’s cats and the squirrels in our yard wouldn’t go near this nest with the hedge of spiny barbs protecting it. I did wonder about the baby birds who ventured out of the nest. It turns out that birds that live in cactus are good at spreading their weight out over lots of spines. They also weigh so little that they don’t exert enough pressure on the spines to pierce their skin. They are well protected.

As followers of Christ, We are also well protected from any spiritual harm that could happen to us. God has placed protection around us.

“How great is the goodness
    you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
    blessing them before the watching world.

 You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
    safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence.
    So be strong and courageous,
    all you who put your hope in the Lord!”
Psalm 31: 19-20, 24 New Living Translation

Unlike the birds, it’s not just about survival but also about reaching out to others. With courage and our hope in the Lord that He will always protect us, we can also be a safe haven for others who need it. As a mother bird covers her young with her feathers in the nest that she built in a cactus to protect them from enemies, God protects us even more as we are His children whom He loves.

^“Yes, you have been with me from birth;
    from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.
    No wonder I am always praising you!

My life is an example to many,
    because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you;
    I declare your glory all day long.”
Psalm 71:6-8 New Living Translation

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your amazing love and constant protection!

Photo and text copyright Desiree Bustamante