A Home for the Sparrow

The sound of happy chirruping outside the highest window on the side of our house alerted me: the birds were back!

Looking up, I saw that a family of sparrows had made its springtime home in a hole under our roof. The parents were flying in and out, bringing food for their hungry brood.

I love the verse in Psalm 84 that speaks of the sparrow finding a home in the house of the Lord of hosts.

The ‘lovely dwelling-place’ of God is a sanctuary for small, vulnerable creatures.

Sheltered from strong winds, lashing rain or scorching sunlight; protected against stronger, hungrier animals (cats can climb trees but not stone walls), a bird in a nest at the top of a borrowed house has found five-star accommodation, with no rent to pay.

We too are welcome to seek a place of security in the Lord’s house.

 There may be stormy weather or barren heat surrounding us—even striking at our own hearts; we may find ourselves the target of fierce enemies looking for an easy meal (1 Peter 5:8).

But if we are set on remaining in the dwelling-place of God, we will always find there a ‘refuge, a strong tower against the enemy’ (Psalm 61:3).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that your house is always open to us. Please give us confidence in your provision for all our needs. Amen