Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31

I watch as they soar—seeming nearly motionless—in the crystal clear blue sky. And no matter how many times I see them, they still take my breath away. I feel like I’m given my own special glimpse of something extraordinary. Even when I was in Alaska, where they seemed to perch in every tree, I still was in awe of them. Majestic, beautiful, proud, fierce, graceful and strong—descriptive words that are so becoming of this “kingly” bird.

The American Bald Eagle.

During the past two springs at a park situated on the Chesapeake Bay, I’ve had thrill of watching eagles build a nest for their new family. I then watch as they care for their eaglets—bringing in fish, and creatures not identifiable through my binoculars. They are attentive parents and great teachers of their young. I also admire them for the simple fact that they are among the few bird species that remain monogamous until “death do them part.”

So it’s no wonder that when I spy an eagle, I think of God. There are dozens of references in the Bible as “God as the eagle.” And the words of one of my favorite Christian songs come rushing back: “On Eagle’s Wings.” Though all of the lyrics are comforting and inspirational, the words that resonate the most are those of the chorus: And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Have you ever really watched an eagle fly? They soar, and then appear to float gently on their powerful wings. And as they reach great heights, they disappear from sight. I imagine that the eagle still sees me though. His extremely keen vision can see at least three to four times farther than mine.

Magnificent, graceful and strong. Yes, words I also use to tell people about the character of God. I’m reassured that, like the eagle, God sees me even when I don’t see him. He’s with me—always ready to raise me up. I just need to lift my eyes and heart heavenward and pray. And, he will bear me up on his great wings!

Like an eagle that stirs up its nest that hovers over its young, so the Lord spread out his wings and took him he lifted him up on his pinions. Deuteronomy 32:11.