Loved and Engraved

Reflections of a Hummingbird

 

Recently, as I sat outside soaking in God’s Word on a cool summer morning, I spotted a hummingbird sampling the honeysuckle along the back fence. In all of my life, I’ve NEVER seen a hummingbird in MY yard! But there it was, sipping nectar and flitting from blossom to blossom. I was so excited! Through-out the years, I’ve bought a few hummingbird feeders, filled them with sugar water, and hoped to entice a hummingbird to enter my space. But after repeated episodes of cleaning up ants and spoiled “nectar,” I no longer looked for nor expected to see a hummingbird in my yard. This recent sighting resulted in a brand-new feeder, fresh syrup, and new energy in my morning quiet time with the Lord. Admittedly, my eyes frequently scan the area from the honeysuckle vine to the feeder in hopeful anticipation. These last few days I’ve been blessed by glimpses of this amazing tiny bird flying here and there. The brief seconds I spend observing this small creature in my backyard have become the highlight of my day.



Pondering my excitement over the hummingbird caused me to examine my relationship with God. Does God long for me to come to His garden for nourishment and energy for the day’s activities? Is He excited to see me partake of His Word? Psalm 34:8 invites me to "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 119 outlines the importance of God's Word to each of us. Maybe you can relate to these words from verses 28-29, "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law." The Word of God is such sweet and necessary nectar for my soul.

Does God watch and wait for the precious minutes I spend in His presence? That little hummer has no idea how it thrills me to watch it buzz around just doing its thing! Could it be that God delights in me? Does He find joy in simply watching me go about my daily life? Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV says He does. “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” What strength and nourishment are offered from God’s own Word!

Do I feel safe in God’s presence? My hummingbird friend has not yet learned to trust me. The slightest noise or movement sends it off and out of sight. How often do I run away from God’s offerings of tender care? In what ways have I allowed sin and hurtful experiences of this earthly life to put doubt and fear into my heart? Do I really know just how good God is? Can I comprehend the extent of His love for me? Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV reveals God’s intentions, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Romans 5:8 assures us just how far God’s love will go to ensure our good, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He didn’t wait for me to turn my life around. He died for ME while I am doing the wrong thing! He is the solution! Running TO God with all our troubles is ALWAYS the answer. He welcomes us and provides safe keeping like no other. Romans 8:32 assures us, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” There is simply no safer place than the hands of God. Romans 8:38-39 lets us know that NOTHING can separate us from His love.

In Matthew 6: 25-34, we read as Jesus compares our value to the birds and the flowers during His sermon on the mount. Jesus implores us to not worry, but to trust God to supply all our needs. The passage ends with this plea, “33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34.

So today, I find myself humming…..

‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word;

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,

How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,

Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!

O for grace to trust Him more.

All scripture verses are from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.