We’ve got 5 teenage hens living in our shop. Soon, we will relocate them to the coop, but in the meantime, they’re receiving a little extra attention near the house. Some of their time is spent in the freedom of our backyard. There are all sorts of weeds and bugs and greening grass for them to forage. It’s chicken paradise.
But instead of running free through the field, the silly chicks congregate under our deck, deep in the dusty shadows. You see, they also share the backyard space with our 2 dogs. What the chicks must not realize, is that these dogs have been trained to keep their distance from hens. And the dogs are confined to their own privately fenced yard. While they are free to roam unharmed, the chickens still huddle together in the least-desirable spot in the yard.
I was watching them yesterday, and it reminded me of how often I wrongfully direct my spiritual confidence. I allow the king of darkness to have a far weightier presence in my life than he ought. The borders of my life have been secured by the King of Kings, and yet I sometimes continue to lurk in the shadows in a feeble attempt to protect myself. And really, I’m just keeping myself from more fully experiencing all the sweetness and depth and beauty I’d know if I were more willing to step out and rely on God to keep the enemies at bay.
O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.
Psalm 59:17
I know I would rather live in the freedom of obedience and delight in serving God in courageous ways. I’d rather allow His perfect fortress and steadfast love to be my protection instead of making my own sorry attempts at safety. No more cowering under the deck for me!
Kate
Thoughts from The Yellow House 