I once heard a story about a ranger scouring a forest after a wildfire and discovering a charred dead bird standing by a tree. Upon hearing chirps he discovered intact live chickies under their mother’s wings. It was a touching story of sacrificial love and protection.
David cries out in Psalm 57, “Be merciful to me O God, be merciful to me; for my soul trusts in thee. In the shadow of your wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be passed by. Isaiah 57:1
Life has seasons which can leave us feeling ravaged especially after death, divorce, loss of employment or health, losing a home or savings…any number of things.
We all need a heavenly Father for protection and refuge. The Bible is clear to assure us of His presence, comfort and strength especially during these seasons.
In Isaiah 43 he declares, “Fear not, I have redeemed you by name. You are mine…when you go through the fire you shall not be burned…because you are precious and honored in my sight.” God loves us. He demonstrated His love through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus to rescue us from sin. He loves us like a parent. We bear His name. He sees us through the trials.
Jesus told us not to worry. He said to look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26
The birds thrive even when they do not reap or sow? Or have a surplus to draw from? God’s provision cannot be balanced by a ledger. I remember a remark my brother made as a missionary. “Even though on paper I fall way short every month of my budget, every month I eat every day and my bills are paid.It doesn’t make sense.” My brother learned to trust God more as a result of his financial situation.
Yesterday I ran into a Christian woman who I’ve know many years. “We’re losing our house,” she reported. “But I am at total peace. I’ve turned to God and I know He will provide for us. I told my husband it doesn’t matter, but he’s stopped going to church. And he’s turning to the bottle.”
I know how easy it is to turn to false comforts. I used to go shopping. But the temporary good feeling led to a guilt hangover the next day and a worse financial situation. How come we don’t go to God for comfort? We have to learn to let the Lord be our comfort when things are tough.
And when we do that, our relationship with Him will grow. Just like the friends who are with us through the tough times are the ones we are closest too. No wonder Paul said in Philippians 2:1 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, any comfort from His love, any fellowship with His Spirit…?” Jesus said he would not leave us here comfortless, He would send the Holy Spirit our Comforter to come alongside and help us. Why don’t we turn to Him?

