I read in a Cornell blog recently (don’t ask) that 20% of the world’s bird species live in big cities. That’s a remarkable figure when you consider what an inhospitable environment a big city can be for a bird. On a trip to New York City last year I took an accidental picture while I was slinging my camera over my shoulder, inadvertently holding the shutter release. The image today is that picture. What struck me was the one bird almost in focus in the frame (and the other fellow flock-mates flying between Manhattan skycrapers). Just how DO these birds make it in a place like Manhattan? It reminded me of Psalm 84, one of the most beautiful psalms in the Scriptures (in my opinion) and the inspiration for the title of this blog series.
“…Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise! Selah
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.“
This psalm is all about the pilgrimage of worship in the midst of suffering. “Valley of Baca” is often considered allegorical for places of weeping or suffering in the life of the saint. Those whose strength is in the LORD experience God transforming those places of suffering into “places of springs”. What a beautiful thought.
I don’t know what the challenge is you are facing, or the suffering to which you are prescribed, but the LORD is promising strength to you in the midst of it. Strength that not only comforts you, but that changes things.
And perhaps you feel like a city sparrow, without any safe place to nest, and harassed by the noise and animosity of life. In God, there’s a safe place to dwell. He can and will be your strength. He is your home. He brings song to your heart in the midst of the suffering.
May you be blessed in God’s strength today…and from strength to strength tomorrow, and the next day, and the next…
Wonderful scripture. Encouraged and blessed by your comments. Thank you!