Provision and Protection

In our backyard stands a birdhouse. As the first rays of sunlight peek through the trees, a female bluebird stirs in her nest. The day begins not with rest or leisure, but with unbridled devotion from the new bluebird parents. From dawn to dusk, they tirelessly search for food—worms, insects, caterpillars, and more—anything to nourish their tiny fledglings. They make countless trips all day, fluttering back and forth between the wild and the nest, delivering provisions straight into eager mouths.

However, their care doesn’t stop with feeding. The male bluebird stands guard, alert to every sound and shadow: a rustle in the grass, a predator hawk lurking in nearby trees. He flares his wings and sounds an alarm, ready to fight, to flee, to protect at all costs. His devotion is constant, unwavering, and sacrificial. The young may not understand all that both parents do for them; however, their care surrounds the fledglings every moment of the day.

In a similar way, our Heavenly Father watches over His children. From the moment we rise to the time we lay down—and even in our sleep—God provides for every need, seen and unseen, known and unknown. We may not always recognize His hand, but He is always working: shielding us from dangers we never knew approached, providing for our every need, and nourishing our souls in ways we cannot measure.

Listen closely: Unlike the bluebird, who must rest when night falls, God never sleeps. His eyes are on you 24/7, 365 days a year. His care never ceases. He hears your cries, knows your fears, and anticipates your needs. Just as the fledglings trust in the provision and protection of their parents without worry or toil, you also should rest in the care of your Heavenly Father.

Let the bluebird be a simple yet profound reminder: if God has written such nurturing love into the instincts of a small bird, how much more has He poured into His love for you? His eye is always on you—because you are the apple of His eye.

What are some ways God has provided and protected you that you only realized in hindsight?

Pause today and thank Him for His unseen hand in your life.

Love God. Love People. Live Sent.