Read Psalm 102-103
Alfred Hitchcock was one of the most influential figures in cinema. He was known as the "Master of Suspense". His psychological thrillers have left many a viewers creeped out. One such movie is the 1963 classic "The Birds". While most of his movies are far-fetched fictional tales, this movie was actually inspired by a real event.
On August 18, 1961, residents of Capitola, California awoke to hordes of seabirds dive-bombing their homes, attacking people walking, and crashing into cars. Two years later Hitchcock had a hit movie about birds.
You know, birds are prevalent in the Bible. In fact, birds are mentioned over 300 times. The dove played a role in Noah's Ark. The insignificant sparrow is used as an example by Jesus to remind us that if He takes care of them, He will definitely take care of us. In the two chapters for today, we see two different birds mentioned. The owl and the eagle.
In Psalm 102:6 the psalmist writes, "I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places". He was using the owl to represent being desolate, alone in the desert. It's used as a negative example. We have all felt like owls, haven't we? Times we have felt alone and spiritually dry.
In the rest of Psalm 102 though, he reminds the people that God is a God who will provide even if it doesn't always feel like it. We don't necessarily know the author of the psalm, but we do know that David wrote Psalm 103. And because God cares for us, he reminds us that we are "eagles" even when we feel like "owls". He writes in verse 5 that it is God "who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's".
We were created to soar like eagles. Life will find us like desert owls at times, but this too shall pass. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, our life is lived in the skies!
Are you feeling like a desert owl? How can these psalms be a source of encouragement?
How has God helped you soar? Take some time to praise Him outside as you watch the birds in the sky.
Prayer for the day: "Lord, I thank you that you care more deeply for me than the birds in the air. By faith I believe that you are meeting my needs even when I don't see it. Amen."