Daddy Tenderly Feeds His Girl
Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God for help, and wander about for lack of food? Job 38:41 (ESV)
This male cardinal is tenderly feeding his offspring. That is just the way of nature; it is not really a mystery, is it? (The only bird that remains a puzzler is the cow bird by laying her eggs in other birds’ nests. She watches attentively but lets them raise her babies.)
How does nature know when the baby birds are hungry? The parents have a built-in alarm clock that urges them to fly out to find seeds, worms, and bugs. What a racquet when mom and dad return with their score to stuff into the wide, open little mouths. Those little naked, hungry babies need nourishment. They are fed and satisfied. And then there is silence again!
No matter how old we are, we also need nutrition. I am not talking about the consumable food from the grocery store—but the spiritual kind. The source of our spiritual food comes from faith built upon the Word of God.
We have all cried to God for help and wandered about for lack of food (direction) and evidence of His prompt, affirmative response. However, that is not always how He works on our behalf. None of us have died of physical starvation. But we can hold His Word in our hands and still suffer from spiritual malnutrition. This has never been His intention, but we have made it more common place than we would like to acknowledge.
God provides for His children. It is rather simple when we think about it. If our will is lined up with His Will, everything seems to fall into place and our spiritual needs (and earthy needs) are met with abundance. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19, ESV).
How tenderly this father cardinal cares for his girl! If a mere bird can do this, do you not think that the Creator of the universe has even more compassion and understanding for us?
Just another life lesson from rural Pennsylvania. Lest we forget all He has done, is doing, and will do, it is right to raise your voice in adoration and praise.
Creator of all, thank You for waking us each day to find Your natural beauty and life lessons. Teach us to slow down and see Your handiwork in all situations. AMEN.