Noisy Woodpeckers – And the Rat-a-tat-tat of the Enemy
I love the wildlife here. My house is nestled on the edge of a state forest so there is never an end to their visits. This summer was fun to watch a doe and twin fawns graze on the field. Butterflies flit from flower to flower. We see turkeys, foxes, hear the crooning of coyotes, and tell-tale signs of a possum that roots around under the porch looking for insects. There have been sightings nearby of black bear, fisher cats, bobcats, moose, and mountain lions. And, of course, there are noisy woodpeckers.
We have several species of birds visit. I especially enjoy it when a hummingbird greets me by hovering in front of the screen porch each morning while I sip my tea.
I also enjoy seeing the variety of woodpeckers that tap on the trees nearby. Except when they decide the clapboard siding is fair game. That’s when I put up a metal pie plate nearby to scare them off.
The other strange thing about woodpeckers is their springtime habit of pecking the metal state forest signs on nearby trees at the edge of the forest. Maybe to get the attention of potential mates – do drummers get all the girls?
The ongoing rat-a-tat-tat on the echoing metal can drive me crazy especially before the sun rises.
The woodpecker isn’t able to hurt the metal sign. It’s just annoying. Though I marvel at how God made woodpeckers able to peck with that kind of force.
Just Like Our Noisy Enemy
The noisy woodpecker reminds me of Satan who just loves to make a ruckus in our lives. He makes all kinds of noise trying to attract our attention elsewhere. He can’t do anything to harm us. He just likes to raise the noise levels a bit hoping to wear us down. In the meantime, we struggle with the excessive noise raging around us and long to put up a metal pie plate to scare him off.
The noisy woodpecker reminds me of Satan who just loves to make a ruckus in our lives. #SuchADistraction #AllBluster and no teeth Share on X
Well, there is a proverbial pie plate we can hang nearby. His name is Jesus. He is the only thing that wards off Satan: His blood. His word. His victory. And when we keep our eyes and ears focused on His Truth, the enemy flees. So, that’s good news.
I Need This Message
As I write this message, my heart cries out because I NEED this message today. I have been struggling with fatigue, foggy brain, and been overwhelmed by all the confusing noise. It’s an ongoing battle. And the rat-a-tat of the enemy fire hopes to wear me down.
So, I am more aware of my need to put Jesus, my banner out in front of me as a reminder that He is the one who knows all things. He gives peace. He provides rest. And He sets the enemy, who simply delights in making a bit of noise, to flight.
It’s an #OngoingBattle. And the rat-a-tat of the enemy fire hopes to wear me down. #NoisyDistractions Share on X
Is there a woodpecker making noise in your ear today?
Jeanne
Jesus! He sets the enemy, who simply delights in making a bit of noise, to flight. #InHisName #SatanFlees Share on X
Metal State Forest Sign – Photo by Jeanne Doyon
Woodpecker Image by Larry Doucet from Pixabay
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I too NEEDED today’s post Ms. Jeanne. Satan certainly tries to attack when it seems we’re at our weakest. Tired, too busy, trouble concentrating. It’s at those moments I be sure to read The Warrior’s Prayer as I start each day. Even before coffee, I’ll grab the copy I keep beside me on my desk, read it, and invite God to come and stay near me today. For I know, the attack is on its way. Thank you for sharing the rhema of God’s word with me today ma’am.
I would love your Warrior’s Prayer, J. D. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and so glad His Rhema touched your heart.
I wonder if the enemy just waits until he sees me weary, brain fogged, tired and weak..then he attacks.
Bringing negativity, confusion and battle worn feelings against me.
Taking time to be with HIM is what brings truth into focus. As always, Jeanne, your wisdom brings every day life with a way for His peace for us.
Jan, Ephesians 6 tells us that Satan has schemes (plans). So, yes I think he looks for opportune times to bug us as he did with Jesus. And when we are weary he can twist our thinking. Taking time each day with Jesus definitely wards off the enemy…like bug repellent 🙂 LOL
I find listening to Christian music can counter the enemy’s noise. The Scriptures talk about making a JOYFUL noise to the Lord! So, if “noise” is going to enter my world, let it be a hymn of praise to my Lord!
Sheree, Christian music is a great idea. It’s like only allowing the good stuff in and surrounding ourselves with praise. A weapon for sure! Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for the great post, Jeanne. We have woodpeckers here too that are so relentless that I’ve never been able to understand why they don’t keep headaches at all times! And, the interesting thing is, sometimes they catch my attention, but then other times, because I hear them pecking away so often on the trees, I can easily tune them out. I feel like I do that with Satan – I hear the words and attacks, but I allow them to continue in my life, just “tuning them out” rather than doing what I should do and make those attacks flee completely out of my life!
I love your thoughts about tuning out the racket. I do that too sometimes and then realize that they are affecting me just the same. That’s when I know I need both the armor of God and the name of Jesus. Thanks for your thoughts, Julie
One afternoon I heard an odd noise coming from the stairwell going up the stairs to my studio (above the garage)I knew it was an animal, but it made a strange knocking sound. Peter went in, armed with a broom (we had no idea what it could be). He encountered a small woodpecker which had been trying to get out the shut window…being a smart little fellow, he flew right out, not minding Peter getting so close to raise he sash…no spiritual application here, just an odd incident!😇
Glad you shared it, Donna. Critters make life interesting 🙂
Your yard sounds lovely. I’m thankful the Lord puts the noisy enemy to flight when we spend time in God’s Word, know what it says, and pray. Thank you!
I am too, LuAnn. Thanks for stopping by.
This post was especially helpful to me. Thank you. Your home sounds very beautiful.
So glad it was helpful, Robin. So sorry for my delayed response. We just got our power back after a windy storm. 32 hours…
I appreciate you stopping by.