“Consider the Ravens”

The day had not really been difficult. The students hadn’t been hard to handle, nor had the lessons been difficult to teach. But, as is many times the case with us, it was a few words casually said, a little consideration of the implications, and the feelings of discouragement came piling in. Perhaps, one could say, unduly. But to my mind it was real as any cloud, and an oppression upon my heart. I went to my knees in prayer to the One who said He’d bear all our loads.

It was at the point when I had once more surrendered myself to His will, whatever the future might hold, that He sent me these words. “Consider the ravens.” And I did so. What was it about ravens that could inspire my heart just then? Ravens are just big black birds that fly around and don’t seem particularly noteworthy for any good attributes. But “God feedeth them.” And as I thought about what it was to be a raven, a beautiful picture unfolded before me. Ravens don’t lay plans for future want. As they flap around the countryside in search of food, they don’t say to themselves, “Today I will go by the fields, and on the weekend there will be picnic scraps.” Or, “Here is a road kill, but I must save it for next week in case there is nothing else.” No, they simply look for food in times of need. And God provides for them.

How easy it is for us to “take thought” and let the worries and concerns of tomorrow pile in! The lesson of the ravens is a true one. It’s not for me to plan on how I will handle tomorrow’s cares and battles. I do not need to fret or worry because next month I will have need. No, there is a God, a loving God, who sees me and cares for me. I need only come with my want today and He will provide. I need only to trust Him and lean upon Him, and commit myself into His keeping. I am glad to be one of God’s ravens.