A Spider’s Tale

“Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.”
Psalm 5:11 (NLT)

The small brown spider guarded her nest all the winter, ready to defend it against any threat. The tiny cobwebby nest was outside, securely tucked into the corner of the kitchen window. When I tried to clean the window the spider scurried down the glass to assess the threat then returned quickly to her nest. Her only concern was to protect her young until they hatched in the spring. I was there when the baby spiders finally emerged from the nest. The mother spider continued to guard the corner of the window while her six babies began to explore the outside world. At first they stayed huddled together, then one by one, they spread out away from the nest suspended in the air on silken threads, which their mother had probably spun in advance for them.

A few seconds of independence seemed to scare the baby spiders because they returned frequently to the nest for a group hug before venturing out on their own again. Half an hour later mother and babies had disappeared from view.

I don’t know if King David ever witnessed a spider protecting her young but, as a young man he must have learnt a lot about nature while guarding the family flocks. In Psalm 19:1 he said, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” David recognised God’s greatness through the creation around him and he also believed in God’s protection, because he said in Psalm 3:3, “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” And in verse 5, “I lay down and slept, yet I woke in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.”

We can echo David’s confident belief expressed in Psalm 5:11-12, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that we can take refuge in You and be surrounded by your shield of love.
Amen

Study by Diana Hall

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About the Author:
Diana Hall attends the Southampton Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God, UK.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Southampton
Tauntons College
Hill Lane
SOUTHAMPTON SO15 5RL

Meeting Time:
Saturday 11:00am

Local Congregational Contact:
Peter Noon
Email: peter_noon@wcg.org.uk