Psalm 23:5-6
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
The squirrels in our neighborhood love the seed that we spread faithfully on the ground for them when we fill the bird feeders. But there is another delicacy they frequently enjoy. Pine cones!
We discover these remains on our deck. The squirrels partake of the seeds while perched in the branches above us, discarding the inedible portions with regularity.
But one of our squirrels goes rogue! Remember this stump from the dead pine we have removed several months ago?
This jaunty fellow has decided that it makes the perfect table for his pine cone feast.
What a sight to see, and what a mess he makes!
But what strikes me the most is that this squirrel, instead of sheltering in the relative safety of a tree limb, chooses to be right out in the open and solitary - an all too easy target for a lurking hawk or prowling cat.
Seemingly, he feasts, completely at ease, in the presence of his enemies, assured that goodness and mercy will follow him all of his days.
May we all trust that, even in the midst of the dangers and uncertainties that currently surround us, our Father prepares a table for us, and bids us to come and partake of His love and grace, to dwell in His house forever.
Amen!
You know, Martha; you have this great gift of imparting wisdom and comfort, as well as trust in the Lord, in a most readable and charming way. I think you should post more often. The dark world of today needs the bright light you shine in the name of our Lord.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Oh, Victor, you are much too kind! I'm gratified to know this post spoke to your heart today. We are cared for by a most loving Father, and we do need to put our trust in Him in all things.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thanks Martha for a well-placed thought. We are surrounded by a lot of junk. No better place to be than at the table of the Lord. hope you and Danny are fairing well.
ReplyDeleteYes, there's no better place to be, Bill, that's for sure! We are hunkered down, for the most part. Danny went to the store EARLY this morning in full mask/glove gear. We are taking no chances, and trusting the Lord will protect us.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Love how you put the squirrel's behaviour together with God's Word. Well done, Martha. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Frank, for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed this post!
DeleteLove and blessings!
That is the most amazing thing about Psalm 23, we can eat in the presence of the enemy and enjoy God's goodness and protection! Good thought, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI know, Marja! It's no wonder that this Psalm is an all-time favorite.
DeleteLove and blessings!
It must be a fantastic view with the birds and squirrels. Indeed you have adopted them and fattened them up some. We can learn a lot from the animals and may we too rest in His goodness and provision 😀❤️🌹🙏
ReplyDeleteOur backyard critters never cease to teach me lessons, Valerie. And yes, they are definitely a well-fed bunch!
DeleteLove and blessings!
We've a small squirrel living under our deck who - like yours - acts impervious to danger. (Well, except our dogs.) Tom gets such a kick out of watching him/her scampering around the backyard … but we've not watched him/her dine on one of the tree stumps. That's adorable!
ReplyDeletePS - Psalms 23 is one of my favorites!
I thought it was adorable, too, Myra. Danny was most fortunate to catch the fellow in the act and snap a photo. Glad you have a squirrel around to entertain you! And yes, this has always been a favorite Psalm of mine.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love the lessons you give from squirrels, Martha. This reminds me of Gray Squirrel in your book who teaches so many important lessons. :) Thank you! Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Trudy, Grey/Racer does teach so many valuable lessons in the novels. He's taught me a thing or two - lol!!!
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a brave little guy! Great lesson, Martha. I love the pictures! 🐿
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beckie! He is one brave fellow, I agree. Glad you enjoyed the photos, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
DeleteI am In the very high risk category, and I can tell you that I am not frantic. Wk and I are taking precautions, but we are not hoarding. We have enough food and supplies to last for a little while. Our attitude is that God does provide, and He watches over and guides us through every storm. I pray for all to be well soon. Trust in the Lord and take care. If you find three rolls of paper towels on the shelf take one and leave the rest for others. I loved your analogy about the squirrel. Thanks and blessings
Nells, I hear you loud and clear. Like you, we are taking every precaution, but we are absolutely not hoarding. God will provide, and will be faithful to set a table in the midst of our enemies. We must deny fear an entrance into our lives and trust in Jesus who tells us not to be afraid.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, Martha, this is a great post!!!!! Powerful visual, powerful message. Love it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad this post spoke to you with a powerful visual and message, Diane! I must admit, I love it when God gives me such inspiration.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I totally agree with Victor! Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear friend!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I thought I had posted yesterday, but must have slipped when going for the Publish button. ---
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the thoughtfulness and the perspective before starting my morning. Much better than the news for sure.
Oh, yes, Ryan, a heaping helping of better when you consider what's in the news. Glad you enjoyed the post!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautiful, My Friend! Great analogy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thanks so much, Loralu!
DeleteLove and blessings!
That squirrel certainly is bold! You post reminded me of the verse from Matthew:" Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they?"
ReplyDeleteI love this verse from Matthew, too, Laurie. Such a great reminder to all of us not to worry about our day to day needs. God will provide!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love the analogy, Martha! That squirrel was enjoying life and not thinking of his enemies. Great thought!
ReplyDeleteAnd we should do the same, Cheryl. So glad you enjoyed the post!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh my goodness Martha this brought me to tears knowing all that the world is faced with right now and knowing that our loving heavenly father prepares a table for us in the midst of our enemy...this is so powerful! Thank you for writing and sharing this...it is totally and completely encouraging!!! Love you!! <3
ReplyDeleteMarla, thanks so much for your kind words of affirmation here. Yes, things may seem to be falling apart all around us right now, but still, God will provide and He will comfort.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh that's good, Martha!! Looks like Racer has been at it again...and he's still teaching us good things! Praying you and Danny are doing well, and that the Lord is keeping you in His loving care.
ReplyDeleteYes, Pamela, Racer is up to his old tricks! :) Thank you for your prayers, too. Like everyone else, we are hanging in there and playing it safe. Know you are, too, and I will keep you and John in my prayers.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, this is a great word picture of being secure in a world full of dangers all around. Our Daddy is bigger and stronger than everything we face.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Amen, Kim, yes, He is! We can place our trust and our hope in our loving Father.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a great image. and lesson!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jean, I'm glad you enjoyed this post!
DeleteLove and blessings!