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2 P&P Weekly Blog for 19 - 25 October 2024
We found this little chickadee while on a hike. Its unique position in the tree immediately caught my attention. Why? Because you would generally presume to find its feet on the limb below it. But if you look closely, you’ll see that, in fact, that’s not the case. His feet are clinging in a sideways fashion to the tree. What’s the spiritual lesson?
Sometimes life throws us curveballs. We encounter things that we would rather not go through or have to experience. We find ourselves feeling like we’re “hanging in there” or hanging sideways (much like this bird) with only air beneath us. Yet this bird looks pretty secure, right? This is true for us as well if we belong to Christ. Then, we’re held in His hands and by His love.
Let’s look to the Word for a few promises to this effect.
John 15: 1-11 ESV: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Isaiah 41:9-10 ESV: “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off; 10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB: “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms …”
Psalm 63:8 NLT: “I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.”
Dear Lord, if You’ve created a Chickadee with the ability to hold onto a branch sideways, I know that I can trust You when life feels helter-skelter. I am trusting You to hold me in Your hands and not let go. I desire to hold onto the truths that I’ve been taught and have seen you fulfilling in my life. I’m learning to abide in You—daily and for my every need. You are my stronghold and my greatest sense of joy. I find refuge in Your presence and ask that You grant me more glimpses of Your gracious care. I’m hiding myself in You today. Amen.
When we cling to Jesus, life is a whole lot more manageable because we have someone unshakable to hold on to!
2 Pause and Praise Creations ©
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