I just needed to step outside, sit down, and breathe in – to take a break from the usual routine. Sitting down in the empty chair, I was blessed to sit alongside my mom, who always guarantees a few minutes of wonderful conversation.

Looking up to the sky, I noticed a hawk circling around us overhead. They have been a daily sighting, so it was not unusual to spot one. But they are amazing to watch, no matter the number of times, as their grace and swooping flying action is stunning.

We continued talking and began to notice a shadow on the pavement – a slow and fluttering movement – the cause of which remained unseen to us. We watched the movement for a few minutes and then the object came into our eye’s view.

A single, perfectly formed hawk feather.

Its descent was slow and graceful, unhurried and beautiful. We sat mesmerized in silence until it gently landed in front of us.

Upon picking it up, one could not help but notice its beauty and fullness. Its quill opaque and hollow. Each strand of the feather silky in its pattern of perfection.

It’s been several days now and the feather sits near my desk, absorbing my thoughts for a few minutes every time I look it over.It is thirteen inches from tip to tip, and yes, I did measure it. I have opened to one verse several times since bringing the feather inside:

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4, NLT)

The imagery brought in this verse is of a mother bird protecting her young under her wings. This security is promised to us, no matter the circumstances of life. God is always bigger and greater than the adversity, and sovereign over every situation.

Several lessons emerged from my feather:

1. God promises protection. “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by” (Psalm 57:1, NLT). God offers divine care to those who trust in Him. Any situation in our lives must be allowed for Him and is ultimately for His purposes.
2. God’s power will be with us. If God promises protection, He gives the power to endure every situation, for our weakness is made perfect by God’s strength in us. “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10b, NLT).
3. God will bring joy. “Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 63:7, NLT).

The feather drew our attention upward, our faces toward the sky. As our focus is on things above, our hearts find their confidence in the promises of God.

He will cover you with His feathers.
Rest secure.

Today I am joining… Woman to Woman and Recharge Wednesday and Let’s Have Coffee .