Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled!

A few days ago my son and I were walking as we often do at work. Our break is a loop. The loop takes us past government buildings and brings us uphill to a walking/bicycle path. As we approached the small hill to get to the path, I heard a very loud noise. I joked that “I hope they are working up there, because that sounds terrible.” As we neared the tree line, it became evident it was not a man but an animal of some type. We reached the path and turned to the right. The noises increased. It was painful to listen to. My son moved a little closer and said, “it’s a hawk in a nest.” A small bird was sweeping in to try and move it. The bird was “shrieking” at the hawk and the hawk’s response was a guttural cry. It appeared that the hawk had moved in to take over the nest, perhaps eating the small birds.

We continued on our way, recognizing there was little to be done. But frankly, it “haunted” me. I felt it was prophetic on a level. I was not sure why at the time, but it was one of those things I can not “let go” of. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced of the story it showed.

Too often I see folks who are in a “nest of comfort”. I want to be clear. I am not critical of folks enjoying life or being comfortable.

But I have come to the conclusion (Through the word and experience.) that God can bless you in the worst of circumstances and other times everything and everyone can be “in bloom” except you!

The other day I wrote about interpreting a dream with someone and saying there is a “difference between comfort and rest”. This scenario with the hawk emphasized that to me.

Too many are looking for “comfort” or a peace that is “inactive” rather than a peace or a comfort that exists from a knowledge of: who your Father is; your position in Christ, far above principalities; a peace that is static, operative in the worst of situations and a joy that bubbles continuously.

As I watched this bird, I was struck with this.

Many opt for a life in the nest, expecting “nothing to ever happen” believing in the safety of the nest. But then a “predator” appears destroying the inhabitant(s). Their belief was in the nest and “absence of conflict”. The incident leaves them broken and unable to see God.

Jesus came to give us a peace. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” The second sentence is the description of that peace.

God is calling some of you to geographic changes. Others to economic or employment changes. To some He is encouraging or targeting relationships. Do not allow “comfort” to be your guide, but mix your faith with your labor to enter into His rest.

(Just last night I sat here praying for Hawaii, with my hands on the map, speaking “diversion”. And the Lord said to me “have you missed me?” I thought here was a NOW God in my NOW moment and He wanted me to look into His eyes. Rest…)

For many a year I have said “peace is my referee.” (Mixed with wisdom. Wisdom in all things.)That peace is the ability to “leave” comfort, knowing the rest of God and doing things that often are not comfortable.

Enter His rest today and enjoy His company. Do not despair because of the hawks. I thought how often have I seen little birds driving off hawks or large birds in the air.