“The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will hover over Jerusalem and protect it like a bird protecting its nest. He will defend and save the city; He will pass over it and rescue it.”Isaiah 31:5 (NLT)

Sometimes God teaches us powerful spiritual truths through simple experiences from our childhood.

My brother and I were just a year apart in age, and we were more like friends than siblings. Every summer break, in those gadget-free and electronics-free days, we and the other kids in our apartment would come up with interesting things to play and creative games to invent.

Often we would create a game, come up with our own rules, give it a name, and all the kids in our age group would participate.

One such game—though it was not a wise one—was trying to disturb an eagle’s nest.

Next to our apartment stood very tall palm trees. Our apartment building had an open terrace where we often gathered as a group to chat and spend time together.

One morning we noticed that a pair of eagles were building a nest on one of the palm trees, carrying sticks from different places. After a few days we could clearly see an eagle sitting in the nest. Since it stayed there without moving much, we assumed it had laid its eggs.

Whenever we gathered on the terrace, one of the eagles would make loud warning sounds. Our curiosity grew. One day someone threw a stone toward the nest. It did not reach the nest, but immediately one eagle swooped toward us in attack mode to scare us. We quickly dodged down. At that moment it felt exciting and adventurous.

Though it was not the right thing to do, the thrill tempted us to repeat it. Occasionally someone would throw a stone, and each time the eagle would fly toward us angrily to chase us away. We would run as fast as we could, afraid it might peck or scratch us.

Eventually someone complained to our parents that we were running on the terrace and disturbing a poor eagle’s nest. Our parents warned us, so we stopped throwing stones. But whenever we stood there, the eagle would still fly close by as if warning us to stay away.

One day, sometime before noon, I went upstairs to get something. As I was walking on the terrace, in the blink of an eye one of the eagles swooped down, tried to grab my hair, and pecked at my head. It all happened within seconds. I quickly ducked, but when I touched my head I realized I was bleeding. The sharp claws from its toes had scratched my scalp and left a wound.

I was terrified from that day on.

What surprised me was that my apartment was not even in the direction of the eagle’s nest. I lived on the opposite end. Yet the eagle must have recognized me as someone who had once threatened its home.

Perhaps it remembered me as one of those who tried to disturb its nest.

Whatever the reason, my friends and I learned a lesson that day—never to disturb a bird that is protecting its nest.

My mother, of course, did not show much sympathy. Instead, she scolded me and even spanked me for trying to disturb the home of a bird.

Yet every time I read this passage from Isaiah, I am reminded of how fiercely, swiftly, and fearlessly that eagle came to protect its nest.

In the same way, the Bible tells us that the Lord Himself will rise to guard, defend, and protect His people.

These words were spoken to people who had turned away from God and worshiped idols of stone. They were stubborn and unrepentant, yet God still loved them. In His mercy He promised to guard them, defend them, protect them, save them, and rescue them.

What a faithful and promise-keeping God we serve.

What He says, He will surely do. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

The God who watches over His people will also watch over you. He will protect your family and rescue you in times of trouble.

Just as the eagle swiftly came in fierce defense of its own nest, the Lord will come to defend those who belong to Him. He will make sure no harm comes to our tent neither any disaster is planned against us. The blood of Jesus Christ is a great defense and a shield for protection for those who trust him .

Be encouraged that your nest and all that belongs to you is watched over and is under the shadow of the wings of the almighty.

But remember the eagle defended its own nest, not someone else’s.

In the same way, we must remain under God’s covering—abiding in His presence—to experience the fullness of His protection.

As Scripture reminds us:

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”

Psalm 91:1 (NLT)

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being our defender and protector. Just as a bird fiercely guards its nest, You watch over Your people with great care and power. Help us to remain under Your covering and to trust in Your protection. Guard our lives, our families, and our hearts from harm. May we always dwell in Your presence and rest under the shadow of the Almighty.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.