On Bended Knee

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As, I was flitting around the kitchen this morning - tending to everything - trying to get the kiddos off to school, I heard this beautiful reflection on the radio.  Let me share it with you.  First, it comes from a Lutheran Church, here in our local town.   And, if you know me and my fascination with birds... I think you'll like this, too.  In fact.  My children are also, now, always on the lookout and watch for murmurations and/or, in particular, flockings of birds huddled together on wires...  it's rather intriguing.  And, now this reading echoes why I feel the way I do.

**Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Have you ever watched a bird sit on a power-line or a branch in the middle of a wind
storm? Have you wondered how that little creature can stay balanced in the face of such
opposition?
Rollin S. Burhans writes- Birds go to sleep on their perches, but they never fall off. This
is because of the tendons in the bird's legs. They are so constructed that when the leg is bent at the knee, the claws contract and grip like a steel trap. The claws refuse to let go until the knees are unbent again. The bended knee gives the bird the ability to hold on to his perch so tightly.
Isn't this also the secret of the holding power of a Christian? The biblical prophet Daniel
sure found this to be true. Surrounded by a godless environment, tempted constantly to
compromise with evil, was forcefully urged to weaken his grip on God; but he refused to let go. Instead, he held firm when others faltered because he was a man of prayer. He knew God’s power was available through his bended knees.
How do you hold onto those things which are most precious to you: honesty, purity,
honor, character? Those sleeping birds know the secret. It is a bended knee! As our knees
are bent in prayer, God gives us the power to get a firmer grip on those values which make
life worth living. As we face the challenges of a new year, remember to hold firmly to God
in prayer. You can rest assured he will hold tightly to you.
Philip. 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the true source of peace.

This is a super fun, photo.  I don't know if they thought the clothespins were birds already on the line or what... but, I could not believe my eyes.  I had to find my camera... and this was (unfortunately) the best photo, I could get of them.

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But, did you catch them message in that reading...?  Its while on bended knee... that we can hold fast.  Hold fast to those things that are most precious.  Most rewarding.  That have value.  And, God will hold us fast, as well.

I'm just so encouraged, this morning!!!