What the Ravens KNOW

“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.” Psalm 147:9 (NIV)

"I watch as the bird perches aloft a swinging power line, oblivious to the current pulsing through his perch. He raises his beak and sings in the direction of the clouds above, his song more insistent than melodic.

Until I read today’s verse I might’ve assumed that the raven was calling for his mate or trying to out sing the other birds. But with today’s verse on my mind I wonder if he is not doing what all of God’s creation inherently knows to do: call on their Creator for their needs.

Ravens are pretty plain as birds go. Missing the distinct markings of a bluebird or cardinal and the unique talents of the woodpecker or hummingbird, ravens strike me as being least likely to get God’s attention. And yet, the Psalmist mentions this unremarkable bird in Psalm 147:9. He points out that when they call, God hears them and He provides for them.

Maybe today you are feeling unremarkable, forgotten, lacking anything special. You might be feeling plain, all black feathers in a forest full of bright plumage. Why would God answer your call? You have nothing to offer in return.

This verse assures us that God doesn’t respond based on who we are or what we have to offer. He responds because we are His, plain and simple. He responds because it is in His nature to provide. Our call initiates His response. We must believe that with all our hearts and stand on that truth as we wait for that response.

I know that’s easier said than done.

Perhaps you have been waiting a long time. Maybe you are feeling hopeless that your prayers will ever be answered. Or perhaps you are losing faith that He even hears.

I’ve been there, too. There have been times when I looked into tomorrow and saw blackness as dark as the feathers of a raven. Days when I read a verse like Psalm 147:9, and thought to myself, 'Yeah, right. He might answer that bird, but He isn’t answering me.'

And in those times I’ve wondered what I needed to do to get God’s attention. In John 6:28-29 the people ask Jesus what they must do to do the works God requires. They want to please God and they know Jesus holds the key as to how they can do just that. As they wait anxiously for His answer, I imagine they are expecting a laundry list of possibilities, bullet points they can jot down and refer to later.

Instead Jesus tells them that the work of God is simply to believe in the One He has sent. Jesus knew that believing is work. It is heart work. To believe in Jesus even when He seems far away or unresponsive is some of the hardest work we will have to do as we follow Him. But that is all what He asks us to do.

The ravens know that He always provides and they sing with confidence in that, no matter what their circumstances are. Oh how I want to do the same in my life. Will you join me today, singing, believing and standing on His promises as we persevere in song.

Dear Lord, today I am going to keep singing and trust that You will answer my call because I believe You love me and want the best for me. I am going to do the work that You require and trust Your provision. In Jesus’ Name, Amen."
- Marybeth Whalen, Proverbs 31 Ministries.

How amazing to think that as the bird sits perched on the power-line, clinging to what could potentially kill them, the bird opens it's mouth, and as the notes of it's song come out to think that it is asking for it's daily provision. The Bible does say that creation will and does cry out... I often wander how much we in our human flesh are unable to see around us... the babbling brooks, the wind blowing through the trees.... could Creation really be calling out for the Creator??
What an amazing thought!!!
And even more amazing is the thought that the Bible also says that even as God clothes the grass of the field, and feeds the sparrows, how much more so does the LORD God love and care for you!!
What a humbling thought today... that no matter what trials, no matter what circumstances, no matter WHAT.. My God loves me and will provide for my needs. I need just open my mouth and "sing".
Thank you Father ! AMEN