“Like a bird that flees its nest
is anyone who flees from home.” Proverbs 27:8
“The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.” Psalm 104:12
Stay in the House of God (Proverbs 27:8) – Lovely Birds of Lent Week 7
Building a nest is instinctual to birds, but different species build a variety of different types of nests in different locations. However, the purposes of nests are very similar across all types of birds. Nests provide protection, shelter, nursery facilities for baby birds, etc. The nest is a home.
“Like a bird that flees its nest
is anyone who flees from home.” Proverbs 27:8
When you observe nature, it is obvious that it would be foolish for a bird to flee from the good things its nest provides. Children who run away from home, leaving the protection and provision of their parents are headed for struggle and hardship. Similarly, when we flee from the home God has provided for us, we step outside His protection and provision. As believers, we have a home in the house of the Lord.
Don’t flee – flourish!
When I was growing up, I remember having several conversations with my parents about how the church is not a building. The church is the people of God! So, my parents believe and taught me that when we are unhappy with something in our local church, we don’t run away, we stay, pray and address the issue in Biblical ways. This is a mature and responsible way to operate as part of the church. When we stay in the house of God in this manner, we will flourish under His protection and provision.
By the waters
Psalm 104 centers on the wisdom of God in His Creator role. He sets the foundations of the earth. He initiates springs in the mountains that feed streams flowing through ravines and into valleys. These brooks water trees and bring life and growth to plant and animal life. God gives the birds wisdom in their instincts to build nests by the water.
“The birds of the sky nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.” Psalm 104:12
Birds that build their nests by the life-giving waters will flourish and sing in the branches of the trees. When we build our nests in life-giving, Bible-believing local churches, settling in and becoming a part of that community, we will flourish and sing with joy.
Nest Not Hop
When we hop from place to place, we don’t build nests (homes) in the house of God. We are called to nest, becoming a part of a local church and getting involved in doing the work of the Kingdom. Like this cute little bird in its nest, let’s stay in the house of God and BE the church.
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 7 Action Step:
Are you nested in the house of the Lord? Do you have a local church, believers that are doing life with you and pursuing Christ-centered lives? If you don’t, I want to challenge you to find one today! I want you to flourish in the house of the Lord rather than fleeing the home God has for you. If you already have a church home, how can you make it an even better place or get involved with the ministries there?
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Lovely Birds of Lent Week 7 Prayer:
Dear God, Show us how to nest in Your house and not flee when we are upset about something. Give us wisdom and discernment to know where to get involved in Your kingdom. Give us songs of joy as we live in Your presence and bring Your life-giving gospel to our communities. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Lovely Birds of Lent Week 7 Video:
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