Turtledoves

God has kept me through my struggles by showing me King David's secret hope.

David, lamenting and complaining, wondered why God was angry with him. He called on God, saying, “Why do you withdraw your hand, even your right hand? Take it out of your bosom and destroy them” (Psalm 74:11 NKJV). It seemed to David that the enemies of God were taking control, and in his despair, he prayed, "Oh, do not deliver the life of your turtledove to the wild beast! Do not forget the life of your poor forever” (Psalm 74:19).

Like David, we sometimes see ourselves as little turtledoves, surrounded by the traps of the wicked. It has encouraged me in my most trying times to see myself as his lovebird, resting on his promise to keep me safe. Like a turtledove, we long for the presence of our beloved Savior.

I picture Christ coming to me in the form of a dove — his Holy Spirit — revealing to me his continual love and care. How unspeakable that such a great and majestic God would condescend to relate to my needs. Did he not descend on Christ at the baptismal waters as a dove?

Child of God, are you going through difficult times? Is there suffering in your home? Do you hurt? Are you confused at times because of the severity of it all? Remember, you are the Lord's little turtledove, and he will never turn you over to the wicked one. He will deliver you from every snare of the enemy and show you how devoted he is to you in your hour of need. He is there beside you always, whispering, sharing his love with you.

Solomon, speaking of Christ, said, "His eyes are like doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set” (Song of Solomon 5:12). Of the church, the Lord's beloved, it is written, “My dove, my perfect one, is the only one...” (Song of Solomon 6:9). We are one in Christ, his dove.

The sparrow falls to the ground but not the turtledove. He is kept in the hollow of God’s hand, safe and secure. Best of all, the Lord will deliver us out of our troubles and prove his everlasting faithfulness to us. We shall come through it all rejoicing and in full rest and trust in his power and love.