On guard!
Sunshine and cooler weather blessed my walks this past week. Another blessing? My favorite nature trail provided a surprise–the cows are back–with their babies! Sadly, buzzards* are also present, bringing a threat to the newborn calves. Mama cows maintained watch, on guard against the schemes of fowl bent on harming their babies.
Image by minka2507 from Pixabay
As I approached the herd, I heard low moans of agitation from mamas. Coming alongside the pasture, the reason for their nervousness became apparent. Buzzards sat in haughty pride, surrounding the close knit herd. The scavengers hopped toward young calves in anticipation, but mama cows grunted, lowered their heads, and charged aggressive birds.
Mama cows stood alert, on guard, protecting their babies. Our mamas did that for us, too, didn’t they? And we, whether mothers or fathers, protect our babies. Like other animals, we are granted instinct and love, gifts given to us by our loving Father and protector. He protects us from evil and temptation.
Our Father on Guard
Our protector
The Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. (Psalm 37:28 NIV)
Our rescuer
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:14-15)
Our shield
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11)
Dependable and faithful
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
Our safety net
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
We can depend on our faithful and loving Father to be on guard for us. But–we must ask for His guidance and His will for us in our daily lives so that we will be under His shield of love and protection. If we call on Him, He will be with us, but we must seek His path to stay in the circle of His guardianship.
We can learn another lesson from those mama cows.
- Gather together to support each other.
- When one is threatened, all are in danger.
- Support one another through the trials.
- Pray for protection from the evil one.
Wishing you a blessed week, my friends, and may our loving and faithful Father protect you from the enemy.
*I am a nature lover and believe in God’s plan and protection for all creatures. I understand the value of buzzards in their role of scavengers–they clean up waste in the form of dead animals. However, when they prey on baby calves that are alive and healthy, but vulnerable to attacks, buzzards become comparable to the evil one who lurks and watches for our human weaknesses. But, as with most issues, there are two sides (or more) of the story. Here is an interesting article about the topic.
I love the way you organized the aspects of our Father’s care, showing us the Source of our strength.
Thank you, Marilyn. I needed that reminder–His constant and faithful presence. Thanks for stopping by; hope you’re having a great week.
I love the idea of gathering together to support one another as do the Mama cows. It does take a village, doesn’t it?
I agree, Candyce, it does take a village. For children, we teachers are a vital part of that village. I know you join me in prayer for our students and teachers. Blessings!
Good post, Katherine!
Thank you, Tim. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Peace and blessings!
Love that picture of the mama cows guarding they young and our Lord watching over us.
Me too, Debbie. God gifted animals (and we humans are there) with the instinct to take special care of their babies–love and protect. It’s so sad when people don’t follow our Father’s example of love and protection with their children. Our struggling families need prayer.
I love our lessons from nature. Thank you, Katherine.
We learn so much from nature. I think our Father sends so many opportunities for us to gain in knowledge and wisdom–if we just watch, listen, and pray. Thank you, Diana.
What a great way to look at home God cares and protect us. I love how God shows us these things when we commune with Him. Thanks Katherine.
I love that imagery–we commune with God in His creation. I pray to be a better listener in His presence. Thank you, Yvonne.
Thanks for posting, Katherine. I’m grateful for God’s protection and care.
So am I, Joni. We are so blessed to be surrounded by His grace, mercy, love, and protection.