June 23, 2025 Devo

A few years ago, a bird built a nest inside the light fixture right outside our front door. The only way I noticed it was that one of the tiny eggs had fallen out onto our front step. At first, I thought it was a silly place for a bird to set up a home. It’s right outside the door where people are often coming and going. The light itself is easily within reach for any average-sized person.
But it’s not people that the bird really fears. It’s the weather. It’s other birds and predators. Since it’s under the awning, it is fairly shielded from the wind and rain. There’s only a small opening on the bottom, so it’s not easy to get to. It hangs on the side of our brick wall so cats, squirrels, and other small animals can’t reach it. I think the fact that we usually turn that light on at night keeps the bird warm and the eggs incubated. The humans traversing in and out keep any other beasts from hanging around. As chaotic a place as it might seem, I think it’s actually a place where the mama bird can relax and enjoy her young ones. She can REST.
How about YOU? Could you use a place like that? Could you use some REST? Sometimes we think “rest” is only found somewhere quiet and isolated. But it’s not. Rest is simply being able to relax and put your hope in the Hands of The One who holds you. He knows your anxious thoughts about the storms you’re facing. He knows the beasts you’ve been battling and those troubles you’ve been struggling with. He knows your worries and fears about those you are caring for and those you are trying to protect. He knows how hard you’ve been working to provide. He knows every setback you’ve had to deal with, and He knows the discouragement you’ve been fighting today. Although He may not wave His Hand and make all that chaos go away, He can do this for you. He can give you a safe place to rest.
So put all your concerns upon Him today. Let go of all your fears, worries, and struggles. Step away from the fight and just let yourself fall into His Arms for a while. Let the Light of His Love give you warmth. Let the Presence of His Spirit give you peace. Let your mind turn from all that is “out there,” and let it focus upon the God who is RIGHT HERE. He is your Strength. He is your Shield. He is your Hiding Place. He is your Hope. God cares about that little bird who nested in our light. And He cares about YOU! That’s God’s Word for you today.