Jesus

On a prayer walk in my neighborhood, I found a Monarch butterfly on the sidewalk. The butterfly was oddly lying on its side, so I bent down and noticed it was missing a wing. My heart mourned for this helpless creature and I decided to bring this beautiful hurt butterfly back to my home.

I’m sure the butterfly was in pain and scared, so I gently carried him home with tears streaming down my face for this poor guy. I sat him upright in the palm of my hand so he could see the world as we walked home. Then I carefully propped him up in my thick flourishing flowerpot high above the ground to keep him safe from predators. I looked up online that a butterfly this badly injured was most likely going to perish in a day or two. I was determined to be able to provide him with some comfort. I sat with him to give him company, fed him, and hopefully some peace.

We learn in Psalm 19:1-2 NIV that God speaks to us through His creation.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” I asked the Lord what He was trying to show me with this injured butterfly. I gently heard “I see you, I know you, and I care for you.” Wow, Lord, thank you!

Jesus sees you: How about you?

When you feel lost and alone, it is encouraging to remember: “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Psalm 121:8 NIV

Jesus always sees you when you are lonely, when you think no one else knows how much your heart hurts, and when you think no one cares for you. He is there for you and He is with you. He will never leave you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Jesus knows you:

Jesus knows you inside and out. The Lord was there for you when He knit you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13). He knows every detail about your body and life. He LOVES you so much!

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew

10:29-31 NIV

Jesus cares for you:

Jesus tenderly cares for us. He stops to spend time with us when we are hurting and in despair. Jesus is kind and merciful and he focuses on us. As an imperfect human, I cared for the little butterfly in his final moments; imagine how much more Jesus will care for you throughout your life. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Isaiah 41:13 NIV

Are you hurting spiritually, physically, or mentally right now? Remember Jesus loves you and He cares for you. I encourage you to reach out to the Lord today. He is waiting for you to call out to Him. He wants to minister to your heart and soul. He wants to heal you completely right now. In order to help you understand a little of Jesus’ immense love for you today, close your eyes and imagine Jesus holding your hand and walking with you slowly next to a beautiful stream surrounded by flowers. Pause and realize, He is there with you, just the two of you. He sees you and is intently listening to every word you say. Let His presence envelope you and give you comfort today.

I encourage you to pause and reflect on Jesus’ love today and every day. Spend time with Jesus in your secret place. He longs for you to talk to Him throughout each day. He wants to continue to get to know you and for you to know Him and His love for you.

Pray with me. Dear Jesus, thank You for being a good friend. Help me to remember that you always see me. You know me more than anyone and you are there to care for me. I am deeply in awe of your love for me that you came to die for my sins so I didn’t have to. Thank You for your kindness and for being merciful to me always. Thank you for taking care for all my needs, even the ones I don’t even realize I have. I give you praise, glory, and honor today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I cried again the next day when I found the lovely butterfly had perished. I am comforted in knowing I was there for this beautiful creation of God when he needed comfort and protection. I am most grateful that this little experience gave me a peek at the amazing love of Jesus.