26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? Matthew 6:26-27
Look at the birds.
As I sit on the bench facing lake and mountain, I watch. My eye catches a few birds. As they dip and rise in their flying, their wings carry them effortlessly through the air. Almost as lightly as a pinwheel curl spins from a soft puff of air. My attention is diverted to one bird flying parallel to the still water, not touching but so close my mind likened it to a knife spreading butter smooth. And then I see a larger bird. Big wings spread wide. He can go farther, faster. Not as tiny and light as the other birds but still just as intriguing. His wings carry him where? I see a pair chasing each other, enjoying a late afternoon race. I hear their soft chirps, their calls to each other. Three more fly overhead, chatting as they go.
Your heavenly Father feeds them.
As I sit here observing these birds I would never use the word anxious to describe them. Wouldn’t that be a sight? An anxious bird. Worried about where to find food or shelter. No, they are quite the opposite. They are free, they are light. They enjoy. It’s almost like they are in their own world. Why? I think they know. They are cared for. They are provided for. Worry isn’t even part of the picture. Yes, they have to do work. They have to gather, build nests, and seek the worms. But all is provided – there is no lack of what they need.
You are of more value than they.
Jesus didn’t say be like the birds. He said look to the birds. See their example. But most importantly, what do they show us about the Father? He is good. He is faithful. He delights in providing for the smallest, most insignificant members of His creation. Day in and day out. He does not fail. We are the crown of His creation. All other creatures He called good but humans, very good. If He can provide daily, hourly for some of his lowest creatures, what does that say about how He will lovingly, faithfully, capably care for you?
No one can add a single hour to his span of life by being anxious.
The birds can’t add to their life by worrying. You can’t do it. The birds have no need to worry. You, also, can experience freedom from worry. Today, let the rich assurance of God’s care sink into your soul. Into those places where you worry and toil. Allow Him to remind you anew that He will continue to faithfully care for you, the crown of His creation. If you’re feeling inspired to do a creative exercise, grab a notebook and step outside to write down your observations of birds. Or create an imaginative exercise similar to the one I did by using the passage that follows (Matthew 6:28-30) about the lilies of the field.
By Ellen Rosenberger
