Year Book of Daily Devotions — November 16

“The dove returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark." Genesis 8:9”

One night in a home by the sea, the family sat around the evening lamp. Within, all was peace; without, however, the storm was wild. Rain and sleet beat against the windows. During the evening, one of the group heard a strange fluttering outside one of the windows. Making careful examination, it was found that there was a little bird flapping its wings against the pane. It had been caught in the storm, and was unable to find shelter. The light in the window had attracted it, and there it was beating against the glass. Quickly the window was opened, and the little thing flew in, drenched and faint—but happy and safe. Inside it found shelter, light, warmth, and food.

Often there are lives among us, like the bird caught in earth's storms, swept by temptation, by sorrow, or by passion; defeated, weary, with no shelter. For all such, the only refuge is in the heart of God, under the shadow of the wings of divine love. There the weary heart finds all it craves of refuge, love, warmth, joy, and satisfaction. Flying to the window of the divine ark—a strong, gentle hand draws it in.