Morning Devotional
March 27, 2003
“Sheltered”
by Don Emmitte
 

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (Psalm 91:1-4 NLV). 

We have lived in Weatherford for almost fifteen years.  Just prior to moving into our home, I decided that we needed to have a feeder for the back yard. That sounds relatively simple, except that our back yard is over an acre in size and still pretty wild. We live in an area that is bordered with a green belt and has been home to many different animals through the years. I set out to build something big enough to hold enough corn that I wouldn’t need to refill it very often. So, I designed a covered feeder and constructed it from redwood.  It has been in the same place for all of these years. 

Over the years we see deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, foxes and many different varieties of birds visit the feeder. In fact, this morning I am looking out the window and a large doe and two squirrels are chasing one another for room at the trough! Most of the time, I simply enjoy their amusing antics, but every so often, they have a lesson to teach to me. Today is one of those days. 

In our reading today, the Psalmist declares, He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. The types of birds who frequent our feeders do not vary much from year to year. However, not long ago, a Canadian goose decided to wander into the back.  We are not that close to water, although there is a lake near us that often has a few geese and ducks on it. This goose was obviously off course. I can only imagine that somehow it had either become injured or disoriented in a storm and decided to find a little bit of shelter in our back yard. That image reminded me that we encounter many "storms" which can throw us temporarily off course. How good it is to know that God also provides a safe haven for us! You may be walking through such a storm now. The following prayer may be a guide for you to the safety of God’s presence. 

  • May the Holy Spirit, the light of your soul, guide you.

  • May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

  • May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.

  • May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.

  • May your work never weary you.

  • May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement.

  • May you be present in what you do.

  • May you never become lost in the bland absences.

  • May the day never burden.

  • May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises.

  • May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.

  • May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected.

  • May the Holy Spirit in your soul calm, console, and renew you. 1 

1.      Anam Cara, p. 160-161; by John O’Donohue