The bald eagle swooped down and locked powerful talons on the tail of the fish hanging out of the fox’s mouth. As the magnificent bird climbed upward with its stolen prey, the fox quickly let go, dropping to the ground without his next meal.
This Weather Channel video captured my thoughts and stimulated research. The wily fox eats almost anything, adapts to most environments and often buries its prey in a burrow to feast on later. Outside of mating and parenting, the fox lives a solitary life.
The male and female bald eagle mate for life. In preparation for young, they build a secure nest in trees and cliffs, high above their hunting area. Nests have been found to be 13 feet deep, 8 feet wide and up to 1 ton in weight. The outside and foundation of their nest is built of heavy sticks and thorns. The interior is often lined with the eagle’s own feathers to insure comfort.
As I reflected spiritually, I saw myself as the prey, the fish. The wily fox, Satan, attempts to drag me into his tunnel of dark burrowed dirt. Hearing and seeing stories of violence caused by hatred and fear can send my mind reviewing dark what-ifs. No hope in this dark tunnel.
Then there are some who manipulate with angry criticism; attempting to feel better about their opinions by making others feel worse. No joy in this dark tunnel.
What if I choose to look up to the spiritual eagle for help? My Lord has already paid the necessary price with His blood, erasing all my sin, past, present and future, because I asked. I’m no longer anybody’s prey. I’m the Lord’s child.
Since my spirit is secure eternally, why would I allow the devil to take my mind and emotions into his dark tunnel of lies and destruction? Why not ask my Lord to lift thoughts and emotions to Him? We are created to share our uniqueness and opinions in community. His nest is safe.
Why not focus singularly on His Truths concerning His deep love for me, for each one of us? Why not recognize He desires I share rest with Him in the secure and comfortable place of His presence?
I’m learning to experience a greater detachment from harmful words and actions of others. Oh, I still believe in speaking and doing Truth in love when appropriate. Bad things happen when good people say and do nothing.
Resting and sharing in this divine spiritual nest, I’m high above toxic words. I’m empowered to walk in greater wisdom and positive impact when engaging in life. The reality of loving provision and protection is a much greater motivation to hang with Him, rather than the wily fox.
The peace coming from this rest slows my racing heart and brings my chemical messengers back to a healthy state of balance. Living in a state of feeling like someone’s prey, causes illness. I don’t have time to be sick, do you? I choose to soar with the eagle toward physical, mental and spiritual health.
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. (NLT: Psalms 91: 1 – 5)