On Sunday afternoon, we were sitting out front of our home watching the grandkids ride their bikes. This is one of my favorite things to do because I know the weather is getting warmer and soon it will be summer and because it reminds me of how quickly time flies. My grandchildren are growing far too quickly!

We saw another amazing sight as we sat there however that took us all by surprise. Above us, just at house height, one American Bald Eagle flew by. And before we could really comprehend what we had just seen, another one flew along the same path. Two American Bald Eagles within seconds of one another. Of course, it was far too fast for anyone to pull a camera out to take a shot. But the image is in my mind. And it was very cool!

Since we’ve lived in Colorado, we have been able to see this great animal on several occasions. On one of those occasions, there were a large number of Bald Eagles in one location. My husband was able to take some great shots of these animals during this sighting and they are some of my favorite photos he’s ever taken.

These majestic animals are only found in North America and are the United States of America’s national bird. In 1782, the Bald Eagle was chosen as the emblem for America. Many symbols in America contain an image of the Bald Eagle and many artists have combined a Bald Eagle with our American Flag.

Bald Eagles can range in size from 30 to 37 inches with a wingspan from 72 to 90 inches. Their average weight is 10 to 14 pounds. Their eyesight is at least four times better than a person with perfect vision. Their beak has a hook at the tip that is used for tearing its food. And with their talons, they are a formidable foe. They are able to lift about 4 pounds and are a powerful and aggressive bird.

There are instances in Scripture where an eagle is mentioned. Some are in relation to Israel’s eating regulations. Eagles were strictly forbidden due to their unclean nature (Leviticus 11:13; and Deuteronomy 14:12).

On some occasions, eagles are used to show how other nations would swoop down and attack Israel (Deuteronomy 28:49; Job 9:26; Jeremiah 48:40; Jeremiah 49:22; Hosea 8:1; and Habakkuk 1:8).

Then we also see eagles represent swiftness (2 Samuel 1:23; Jeremiah 4:13; and Lamentations 4:19).

Several passages speak of the eagles great wings and how it related to past and future events (Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 17:7; Revelation 12:14).

Ezekiel, Daniel and John captured visions that included great eagles. They each represent power (Ezekiel 1:10; Ezekiel 10:14; Daniel 7:4; Revelation 4:7).

I believe however, that two passages where an eagle is mentioned will be more familiar to you than any I’ve mentioned so far. In these passages, we see an eagle in relation to renewed strength.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5 – NIV)

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 – NIV)

Perhaps you are running on empty today. If so, God is there waiting to renew your spirit and strength. He is able to lift you up so that you may soar.

You can see from these verses that God is able to do many things for us besides renewing our strength however. God forgives. God heals. God redeems. God crowns. God satisfies.

And what are we to do to receive these blessings? Praise the Lord. Don’t forget all the benefits we have in God. Hope in the Lord.

As we build our lives on this hope in God, all of those many blessings mentioned earlier are available to us. I am thankful to say that I have placed my hope in God.

Have you?

Why not take this moment to give your life over to God? Why not accept the benefits He is willing to share with you? Why not soar like an eagle? Please let me know if you have any questions. I’d be happy to help you in this process.

Eagles continue to amaze me. My eyes are always on the lookout for these majestic birds. I pray that I will never grow tired of watching for an eagle or take for granted that I’ve seen too many in my lifetime. I pray also that I never take God’s precious gifts for granted.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna