Read: Matthew 6:25-30

Birds are fascinating creatures to watch.  Our neighbors have close to 40 birdhouses in their backyard so we can often sit out on our back patio and watch different birds at all times of the day.  It is fascinating to watch them fly, build their nests, gather food, balance on tree limbs, and provide food for their young.  The Bible often refers to birds in spiritual, literal, and symbolic ways.  One of the best known references is when Jesus refers to them in Matthew 6:25-30 to teach us about worry.

Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life… look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”  In the past couple of months worry, fear, and panic have too often entered our vocabulary and possibly even our lives as we have dealt with the effects of Covid-19.  In these verses from his Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us assurance that our Father in Heaven will not leave us without the provisions in life that we need to survive.  If the birds can survive from day to day on God’s watch then surely he will provide for us as well.  Jesus says, “are you not much more valuable then they?”

Worry and fear are an emotion that everyone deals with from time to time.  Jesus shares this encouragement to help us be calm and assured of his love, his care, and his provision for us in every area and every moment of life.  These words also remind us of another bird that is referenced in Isaiah 40:31. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  May these words encourage us in the days ahead to be renewed and not grow weary during this global pandemic that we are living through. God will provide and we will give thanks!

Make it Personal:  What have you been worrying about most lately?  Use these verses about God’s help and provision to help you find calm and assurance during these days.  This will pass, but in the meantime we need to continue to look to our Father in Heaven for calm and peace.  Remember what Jesus says, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”