Dear Faith Family, 

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber, (Psalm 121:1-3). 

Directly in front of me as my fingers type structure to my thoughts is a live feed from Decorah, Iowa.  The cameras are focused on an eagle’s nest high up in what appears to be an oak tree.  In the center of the nest are two eaglets, content as they can be.  Right now they’re laid out on the floor of the nest.  Tummies satisfied they are resting contentedly against mom. 

They’ve not a care in the world.  They have no idea how many predators would love to have them over for lunch.  They’re unaware of the dangers were they to step over the side of the nest.  It’s a long way down.  They are clueless as to how the fish just appear in the nest for them to eat.  They don’t even realize what would happen if their food stopped showing up. 

I’m fascinated by the adult eagles.  Both mom and dad take turns sitting on the eggs.  Both do the grocery shopping.  Both stand guard over the eaglets.  Rarely ever have I seen the nest without one or both parent birds present.  Even at night in the dark mom or dad is on the nest eyes wide open as the eaglets sleep.  I’ve seen the parents towering over the eaglets absorbing the rain and keeping the little ones dry.  I’ve watched as one of the parent birds positioned itself upwind, shielding the little ones from the wind. 

What a picture!  How many are the times that we’ve felt all alone in this great big nest that we call life?  How many are the times that we are oblivious to the one who would prey on our soul?  How many are the dangers that remain hidden from our eyes?  We are the weak and needy eaglets.  Our lives are completely dependent, completely, on our heavenly Father. 

Here's the good news.  Our Father is more dependable than we are dependent!  He is always with us.  In fact, nothing can separate us from His unconditional love.  David calls the Lord, “my Shepherd”.  He totally provides for us.  He protects us always, even when we are unaware of His presence. 

The circumstances / storms of life challenge our faith.  Does the Shepherd truly care?  Is He present?  Will He protect us?   Those same circumstances / storms magnify His care, His presence, and His protection.  I’d almost like to see a snake or another bird attempt to harm these active little eaglets.  No, not because I want to see the eaglets get hurt.  Rather, I would love to watch the powerful parent birds defend their young.  I would not care to be on the receiving end of their talons. 

Be still, today, and know that He is God, 
Pastor Karl