March 22, 2004
Encouragement for Today
 

Hawk's Eyes
Van Walton - Certified Speaker
 
Key Verse:
 
The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NAS)
 
Devotion:

 

I was slowly waking up when I heard the sounds. It was Saturday morning, the day my family traditionally sleeps in.  I knew he was back.  I could hear the scratching sounds above me and was fully aware of his wild screeching call. No other creature in the woods behind my house was nearly as loud.  In my laziness I fell back into a soft sleep and didn't remember the return visitor until, several days later, my neighbor left a message on my phone. "I just wanted to let you know that he's back at it.  That hawk - the one that built a nest next to your chimney last year has already put together quiet an elaborate mansion for his family.  We just noticed it."
 
"Why don't you build your nest where I can see you?" I wished. From the day we moved into this house, I had been fascinated with the neighborhood's hawk population. While watching them soar overhead, I longed for the eagles to make a nest on my property, raise their young and teach them to fly so I could be privy to their curious habits. My wish had been granted, but the hawk had built above me, in a secluded, difficult-to-observe spot. 
 
Later that week during my morning devotions, I saw Mr. Hawk fly from the direction of his nest on my eave. Swooping into the shallow ravine, he picked up a stick and returned to the nest.  Of course I could not see him land and resume his building so I stepped outside to watch him.  It didn't matter what angle I chose I could not see him in his nest. I knew he was in the midst of the neatly arranged pile of sticks because I could see nesting materials moving around.  He was definitely working hard.  Suddenly he flew up and away.  I searched and searched until I finally spotted him high in a tree sitting very still. I noticed that he was looking right at me.  He stared at me for a long time and then once again took flight.  I watched carefully but soon lost sight of him.  Looking in the direction of his flight I eventually found him. Once again I noticed that he had kept me in focus.  I thought I was watching him.  The reality was that he was keeping an eye on me.
 
God is like that hawk.  He resides on His throne in Heaven while His son is building a mansion for His own who will one day reside there. Jesus told His disciples shortly before He left them, "I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2 NAS)  I can't see it, but I have witnessed the reality of it and I have experienced the results of the building process. For as many generations as my family can trace we have believed in Jesus. His saving grace has been taught in our homes and lives have been dedicated to His service. Through joyful journeys and trying times our family has stood firmly and proclaimed God as our Rock of ages.  Jesus has even invited me to help in the building of His kingdom.  He has called me to teach His Word, touch the lonely, tug at the lost, and tackle spiritual battles.
 
God is like that hawk. I can't see him, but His word says that He is always watching me.  I also know that when I look for him I can find Him.  "...they should seek God if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not for from each one of us." (Acts 17:27 NAS)  Sitting still that morning, I caught a fleeting glimpse of the majestic nature of that hawk.  When I went in search of him, although I knew his presence was close, I couldn't see him. God calls me to seek Him and faithfully accept that He keeps a constant watch.  There is a soaring and exhilarating freedom when I realize that God is high and lifted up.  I do not have to see Him in order for Him to see me!

My prayer for today:

 

Majestic Father, You live in the heights yet You are not far from me. You spread your wings and take flight, but you never leave me.  Only You can always know where I am.  I take great comfort in knowing that You have chosen to dwell among Your creation, yet you have made provision for us to live with You in eternity on that day when You call us home. May I never forget your presence. Amen.

Application Steps:

 

God's Word says that He has chosen to dwell among His creation.

 

Do I believe that God is in the midst of my life?

 

What does this mean to me personally in the way I live out my daily life? 

Reflection points:

 

Jesus says, "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him..." (Revelation 3:23 NAS) Have you invited Jesus into your life? 

 

Are you constantly aware of His presence?

 

Do you seek Him daily?

 

Does your life reflect joy and peace knowing that Jesus is with you? 

Power Verses:

 

Psalm 11:4, The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne.  He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. NIV

 

Psalm 34:15, The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry. NIV

 

Jeremiah 16:17,  For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes. NKJ
 
Matthew 6:32, Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.  NAS
 
Colossians 3:1,  If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  NAS
 

Additional Resources:

 

At Home With God by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/athome.html

 

P31 Woman Magazine
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/p31woman.html