Oh, the wonderful signs of spring!

Are you enjoying the warmer temperatures, the longer days, green leaves shooting out of the trees, the classic cars on the road as well as motorcycles, and the return of migratory birds? Lots of birds in a great variety.

David, the prolific psalmist of the Bible, said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” Most of us probably feel that way at times. To just fly away and leave troubles behind is longed for in times of difficulty. How nice to head to a place of rest and relaxation! The reality is we stay put and work our way through the problems to solutions.

The Bible has a promise for those who become weary and faint. It comes to those who wait in prayer and patience on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Soaring, running, or walking for spiritual progress is possible through renewal of strength.

“Wings of eagles” produces a word picture of strength and power. Eagles are known to soar as high as 15,000 feet. Their eyesight is legendary. They can reach great speeds in a dive for their prey. I saw one catch a salmon in its talons that was too heavy to gain flight again. The eagle simply “swam” on the water with its wings and ate a delicious meal on shore. Later I saw it perched high in a tree with wings open, drying them in the wind.

A mother bird has protective instincts for its young. I saw a merganser disregard danger to herself in order to regroup her young in a creek and lead them to safety. A grouse acted like it had a broken wing to distract us when we got to close to her chicks. Both were willing to sacrifice themselves to protect their young.

These actions are reflected in the Scripture that says “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust.” These figurative expressions bring to mind the protective covering that God can extend to those who trust him.

Moreover, a dove is symbolic of God’s spirit. The Bible uses many symbols for the Spirit of God including water, light, wind, and fire. More than the symbolism, the Holy Spirit is an incredible experience. The reality of the presence of God can be a powerful influence in our lives.

Jesus offered to gather as children those he was reaching for, “even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings.” This close relationship with him is what the Lord wants for each of us. We can know peace from the Prince of Peace, love from him who “so loved the world that he gave,” and comfort from the one called Comforter. Most important of all, we can know and enjoy salvation from the Savior of the world.

Mitch Glover is pastor of Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday services include Bible classes for all ages at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Bible study is Thursday at 7 p.m. Visit sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.