“Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.” (Ps 27:6 NIV)

We were eating sandwiches on a bench at the kiosk of the marketplace of a town in Belgium. There was a streetfair going on that day, and myriads of people were streaming by. Merchants were selling their wares on stands or on bed sheets laid out over the pavement, and amidst the noise and confusion, some kids were terrorizing the pigeons and gulls who were desperately seeking handouts from the “giants” surrounding them.

Then the unexpected happened. A tourist threw half of his wrapped sandwich out onto the ground. A gull picked it up and proudly strutted around with its price possession, taking care to avoid being stepped on by the many pedestrians, as well as the terrorizing kids nearby.

The gull eventually succeeded in pecking a tiny hole in the package and he stopped his strutting to try and partake of its contents. One passerby took pity on him, and stooping down, managed to remove the wrapping from the rest of the sandwich. The gull was delighted, and with its tummy soon full, he couldn’t help but sing (or should I say cry? Our own singing can make other people deaf as well! Ask my kids.) to its heart’s content. I have no doubt that these were shouts of joy, a tribute to the Maker who provides for the birds of the air.

I realized then and there the reality of the following Bible text: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Ps 23:5 NIV)

We may be surrounded by grouchy critics, enemies of the soul, but God will provide for us. He will come through, no matter what. We do, indeed, have valid reasons to “sing and make music to the Lord.” If He cares for these birds of the air (See Matt 6:26), how much more will He take care of us! We truly have nothing to worry about!

Thank You Lord for the feast that You prepare for us amidst our many enemies. We truly trust in You, for You always stand up for us. I love You!

Any leftovers? Don’t throw them in the garbage. Our feathered friends would be more than delighted to relieve you of them!

Rob Chaffart