Flying To Safety

I had a very interesting experience this morning as I sat outside on our patio on a beautiful summer morning. I was reading my July 4 One Year Bible portion and having my first cup of coffee. I was distracted by the sound of two birds chirping rather loudly near by, and as I looked up, I could see them pecking at each other as they flew near me. As I watched them, one of the birds flew right down to the patio and came within 2' of my feet. The other bird started to come after him/her (I don't know much about bird anatomy) and then seemingly thought better of it and flew off. After a few moments, and apparently making sure the other bird was gone, the bird by my feet flew off in another direction. Fight over, no damage done. It took me a moment to realize what had happened. Even though birds are usually afraid of humans, this bird used this fear  in his adversary to his advantage and wound up in a safe place. Kind of like playing "tag" as kids, and having a "home base." I was the home base for my feathered friend. Even though we couldn't communicate, I think, as the bird flew off, he might have thought, "I'm glad that guy was there for me."

As I thought about this later, I realized that many times in our lives we exhaust ourselves fighting battles that we could overcome if we stopped fighting and headed for Home Base. Now I realize that Home Base is not one of the Scriptural names for God, but there are plenty of others that fit the bill for the kind of fights we get into. Jehovah Jireh, our provider for the fights we have with worry and fear over our economic situations. Jehovah Shalom, when we cannot find peace in the midst of our fighting, with family or friends, or co-workers. Jehovah Nissi, the God who brings victory in the midst of the fight, for those times when it doesn't seem like there is any "light at the end of the tunnel." Jehovah Rophi, the God who heals, when there doesn't appear to be an end to the illness we are fighting. And the list goes on. If you are fighting a fight today that you can't seem to win, step back. Find Home Base. Run to Him. You are safe.