In February, our family began a new adventure by raising
nine laying hens from chicks. After keeping them inside for six weeks, it came
time to move them to the coop. The transition to the coop is a fascinating
event. For two weeks, they are locked in the coop 24/7. After the transition period,
they can roam freely in the yard throughout the day. On the first evening of
freedom, the most amazing thing happens. The very moment the sun dips below the
horizon, all nine chicks immediately head into the coop, take their roost and
can be locked in safety through the night. In two weeks, they learn of the haven
they have.
As I watched this phenomenon of learned behavior, I thought
of the spiritual haven we have in the Lord. The 23rd Psalm speaks of
the safety we have when we walk with our Good Shepherd. He is the one who keeps
us safe through the storms of life. In the same way chickens learn, we learn of
the safety God provides. As the Bible instructs parents in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is
old he will not depart from it.” Let’s all remember the safety of the Lord that
we have learned, and go to him first in times of trouble.
Blessings,
Jeremy
