A few weeks ago I noticed a bird nest under construction on top of a stereo speaker on my back porch. I usually have one nest each Spring on my front porch, but this one was new. I couldn’t catch the bird in the nest, but it was getting larger and larger and I suspected that we’d have baby birds soon!

Last Thursday, something changed. Each time I opened my back porch door to go into my backyard, a robin hurriedly left the nest to perch in a tree. But only for a minute.

Then he and another robin came swooping down in a dive-bomb, warning me away from the nest with a screeching cry! This has been going on for 4 days now each time I open my back door. I imagine it will continue until the baby birds have safely left their nest.

I’ve posed no real threat to the birds. The nest is high enough that I can’t reach it even if I stand on my tippy toes and I’ve made no attempt to dislodge it or get a ladder for a closer inspection.

Even though my actions our honorable, two birds feel threatened by me and they are determined to strike first!

I can relate to times in my life that I felt threatened for no reason, whether it was a competition for jobs or relationships. The threats existed only in my mind.

As I study more Scripture, I’m finding that inventing threats and enemies is counterproductive. There is real evil in the world and we need to recognize it.  I trust that God will protect me from the evil one who wishes to do me harm. Satan would much rather have us fighting each other than him.

2 Thessalonians 3:3: But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Isaiah 41:10: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 5:11: But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

I pray that we will recognize the evil one and guard against him, but not spend our time on unfounded enemies and threats. God will protect us.

Blessings,
Agatha