Patrick the Scarecrow

Read: Psalm 121

“Why are we making a scarecrow for the garden?” Cora asked her grandma as she put in some more stuffing.

“Well, the scarecrow helps keep the garden safe from crows. The crows love to pull up the sprouts just as they’re popping out of the ground, but when they see the scarecrow, they’re afraid to come into the garden.”

“So the scarecrow is pretty important. I think we should name him,” Cora said. “Let’s call him Patrick, Protector of the Garden.”

“I like that name,” Grandma replied.

When they finished putting the scarecrow together, Grandma and Cora carried him to the center of the garden and set him up. “Okay, Patrick, protect our garden!” Cora exclaimed as she gave him a salute.

Grandma smiled. “Now let’s go have some lemonade and cookies.”

Grandma got a tray of cookies and two glasses of lemonade, and they went out and sat at the picnic table under the big shade tree.

“Making the scarecrow was a lot of fun today,” Cora said as she took a bite of her cookie.

“And having you here to help made it even more special for me,” said Grandma. “You know, each year when I make a scarecrow, I stop and think about how the Lord is always watching over me and protecting me. The scarecrow gives me a visual picture. He looks like he’s keeping watch in the center of the garden, and I envision the Lord keeping watch over me in the same way.”

“But the scarecrow can’t actually see anything,” Cora said. “He just scares the crows away.”

“Right,” said Grandma. “But God sees everything. Proverbs 15:3 says, ‘The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.’ God sees us, and He also loves us. He sent Jesus to save us from sin and evil and to be with us through all of life’s difficulties. So, Cora, if you ever feel like God is far away and you’re all alone, just stop and think of Patrick the Scarecrow and remember what the Bible says about God’s faithfulness to us.”

“I will, Grandma.” Cora grinned. “Can I take Patrick home with me after the harvest?”

Grandma chuckled. “I’m sure it will be fine, as long as you keep him outside.”

–Lisa Fuller

How about you? Do you ever feel like God is far away and doesn’t care about you? When you feel that way, open up your Bible. God’s Word is full of verses that will remind you of how much He loves you and His faithfulness to you. He sent His own Son, Jesus, to die for you, and He promises He will never leave you, even when bad things happen. Trust Him to watch over you.

Today’s key verse: The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:8 (NLT)

Today’s key thought: God watches over you