PSALMS 145:15-16: “The eyes of all creatures look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand, and you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (GW‬)‬

OBSERVATION: “Dad – please don’t say that prayer!” I am a bit ashamed to admit it, but these were the words that came out of my mouth as a child when my Dad would quote this Scripture as our prayer before we ate. Of course, my Dad quoted the old King James Version that started with  – “The eyes of all waiteth upon Thee O Lord…” I used to call it the “Eyes Prayer”!  To be honest, back then, I never really heard the message of this prayer, but now it’s truth is a wonderful comfort to my heart.

Each year we have a family of barn swallows that come and build nests at our house. There is one family that builds a nest on our back porch, and another that builds a nest on our front porch. The position of the nest on our front porch has become an ongoing battle. This year, the front porch nest fell down during the winter. When the birds arrived again this spring they began rebuilding it right in the middle of the archway of the porch, right under the main entry to our home. The battle was on!

I never realized how quickly these little birds could build. Before I knew it the nest was up, and so was my ladder. I quickly removed the nest and asked the birds to find another location. Well, my “bird speak” is not quite developed yet, and they did not get the message. Day after day they continued to try and rebuild, smack dab in the middle of our entry way. I would say – “Please build in the corner!” Did they listen – NO! Three more times I removed the starting attempt of these little birds. I sincerely prayed, “Lord, please help them get the message and build their nest in the corner!” The next morning, a spot of mud was on the corner where the nest had been last year. Within a couple of days the nest was completed and now we have a mother sitting on her eggs safely on our front porch.

What is the significance of this? God cares about every creature! The eyes of all creatures look to Him for their care. These small barn swallows were not dissuaded by my interference, because intrinsically they knew that God would provide. They undauntedly continued building and preparing, never wondering if there would be enough mud to build their nest, never worrying about whether there would be enough food to feed their young. Why? Because they knew – “You open Your hand, and you satisfy the desire of every living thing!” And then it hit me, then I understood the words of Jesus –

• “You are more valuable than a whole flock of sparrows (barn swallows)!”

My Dad knew something that his small son did not. He lived through the Great Depression. He grew up in a family of 7 children. His father had died when he was young, and my grandmother raised these children by herself. They all worked and contributed to the family. He only knew hand me downs for clothes and toys. Yet, when they gathered around the dinner table, even though the portions may have been meager, they would pray,

• “The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭145:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬)
  

Lord, thank Your for Your Faithfulness! Thank You for Your Love! Thank You for opening my eyes to finally see and understand that little prayer that made me wince as a child, but now makes me rejoice with all my heart. Thank you for my Dad who led me, and for the little barn swallow who taught me…

• “The LORD is near to everyone who prays to him, to every faithful person who prays to him. He fills the needs of those who fear him. He hears their cries for help and saves them.”  (Psalms‬ ‭145:18-19‬ ‭GW‬‬)

In Jesus Name!