When you need encouragement, look to God, His Word, and His example of the eagle's strength, power, courage, and freedom.
Mally and I were camping at Jordan Lake State Park in North Carolina to spend Thanksgiving with our family. The weather continually changed from warm to cold, dry to rainy, and sunny to cloudy. This seems to be the pattern of the weather wherever we travel. No worries! The day we were packing up the camper to leave for Florida, it seemed as though the sky couldn't have been more blue. There were only a few clouds scattered off in the distance. It was a beautiful day. As I worked, I heard the screech of a bald eagle.
Did you know (according to some experts), eagles use a screech to ward off possible threats to their territory. The screech alerted me to its presence and it wasn't hard to spot against the blue sky. Even as it soared a few hundred feet up, I could easily see its white head and tailfeathers and watched it fly for a while. Bald eagles are majestic in flight, as well as, when they are at rest perched on a limb. Interesting fact: in 1782, the bald eagle was chosen as our national bird largely because of their power and freedom. When the bald eagle is spotted, it is often identified with our nation and freedom.
The bald eagle is associated with our nation, but did you know the eagle represents power, vision, courage, and freedom in the bible? There are many references to eagles throughout scripture. For example:
"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint..." Isaiah 40:31
"we find God's love and protection for His people; you yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4
An eagle in flight, soaring on invisible currents of air, should remind us of the Creator who supplies the eagle with strength, power, and courage also
strengthens those who call upon His name.
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15
"Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked abandon his way, And the unrighteous person his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:6-7
The point of this post is to remind and encourage the reader to look to God during his/her entire life; both the good times and when the challenging trails of life seem too hard to navigate. During periods of doubt, fear, or confusion, we are reminded to look at the eagles as represented by God's Word. How do I come to this conclusion? It is scattered throughout scripture:
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me..." Psalm 23:4
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Psalm 56:3
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might."
Ephesians 6:10
These are just a few examples of what it means to cast your fears, concerns, and worries upon the Lord. The eagle has no fear, no concerns, and no worries. The child of God has no need to fear and no need for concerns or worry. God tells us to trust Him to carry us in every situation. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
Wear Jesus Well,
Blessings, Steve
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