Flee Like a Bird | Psalm 11:1

Welcome to Real Life. There have been days when I’ve felt like a bird.

“Dear God, make me a bird so I can fly far, far away from here.”
–Jenny Curran, Forrest Gump

Alone on my porch, I sat watching a solitary sparrow perched on a wire. I was a young mom then, battling postpartum depression. I was home alone. My husband had taken our baby and toddler to a family graduation party. I normally love parties. But the thought of maintaining a semblance of normalcy was beyond me that day.

Sitting outdoors—feeling the breeze, seeing the grass, trees, and animals of God’s creation—heals my soul. It did then. It does now. That’s me, Lord, a bird alone on a wire. I told him. Somehow the image brought me comfort.

Birds are skittish creatures. Easy prey if not for their ability to vanish in an instant. My husband and I have recently become avid bird watchers. We’ve learned to keep absolutely still. Scratch your nose. They flee.

In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.”
Psalm 11:1 NIV

David was a fugitive—but not from justice. He was no law-breaker. He was on the run because he served his king too well, as a soldier triumphant in battle. Upon his return, the women sang, "Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”[1] It galled King Saul. So, he put a price on his warrior's head.

David’s friends worried. “Flee like a bird to the mountains,” they advised. Hide out until the danger has passed.

But David’s no skittish bird. He refuses. It’s not bravado, it’s humble faith. For in those years of trouble, David learned to lean on the Lord.

Leaning on God doesn’t mean we never experience fear, doubt, or even anger. Just read a few of David’s psalms. Leaning on God means we run to him with those feelings.

      My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite.
     I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof. (Psalm 102:4, 7 NLT) 

That last verse came to me as I sat alone on my porch those many years ago. Here’s why it comforted me. Our God is a bird watcher.

     Not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. 
     Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows? So don’t worry.
     For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life. (Matthew 10:29–30 TPT) 

Whether we feel strong and confident or weak and skittish, God sees. He cares. His watchful eye protected David. And he’ll protect us. “For his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.”[2]

Dear Lord,

You see us. You know us. You love us.

Thank you for your watchful care.
We love you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Are you a bird watcher? Do you have a favorite bird Scripture? Please tell me about it in a comment.

     _____

Sending love to my faithful readers who receive my posts by email. Welcome, Barb, Diane, and Beth—my three newest subscribers. Thank you! (See upper left margin, or upper left corner on mobile app, to subscribe by email.)

[1] 1 Samuel 18:7 NLT
[2] “His Eye is On the Sparrow” by Civilla D. Martin (1905)