As I write, I’m distracted by the action outside my window. Temperatures hover in the teens, snow continues to fall as if determined to hang around, and the birds, with feathers fluffed against the cold, arrive in droves to the feeders outside my window. Finches came first. Chickadees and nuthatches followed. Later cardinals began to appear. It sounds idyllic, but I find that I need to be on guard.

Soon, a dozen or so big blackbirds flew in and drove all the other birds away. They acted like bullies any time little songbirds approached. We banged on the window with little effect. A few of the blackbirds flew away, but others stayed and maintained control of the feeders. We had to open the window to shoo them off.

Soon the smaller birds returned, but it wasn’t long before the blackbirds drove them away again. Several times, we banged on the window, then had to open the window to drive away the blackbirds so the songbirds could get food.

In time the routine became simpler. The blackbirds began to leave when we tapped on the window a few times. Furthermore, the songbirds began to stay in the tree until the blackbirds were gone, then they flew down to the feeders.

Finally the blackbirds gave up and flew away, leaving friendly birds to enjoy the food.

The blackbirds reminded me of our fight with the enemy of our souls. In James 4:7, we are told that if we resist the devil, he will flee.

But, like with the blackbirds, a gentle window tap isn’t enough. It takes real warfare. Even then, we will need to remain on guard and continue the fight, again and again.

It is true of our own temptations and lusts as well as the attacks of the devil. It doesn’t matter whether it is for ice cream, chocolate, TV, pornography, or drugs. Temptations are often persistent. At first, it takes a lot of determination and active resistance, but if we stick with in, through the help of the Lord, we can overcome.

But we must not rest in self-satisfaction that we are victors.

In about an hour, the blackbirds returned. Once again, I had to go so far as to open the window to scare them off. Throughout the day, they returned and renewed the battle. However, in time, the friendly birds didn’t leave when we tried to scare off the blackbirds. Furthermore, when the blackbirds returned later, it was usually easier to scare them off.

As I write, I’m standing guard, alert, so I can protect the food supply for the songbirds. We need to the same for our hearts and our souls. We need to protect ourselves from the invasion of the worldly things that would rob us of God’s provision.

“Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luk 21:34-36).