Look At The Birds
I spent most of my life not looking up. Fixated on what was right before me, whether it was TV, video games, books, work, people, etc. When anxiety began to dominate my life, I found myself living in fear. Fight or flight mode. Uncomfortable and unsure about what setting was going to trigger my anxiety.
As the challenges of life intensified, I committed to walking more. Spending time outside in creation and taking in my surroundings. I began to notice the myriad of cloud shapes. Some looming and overwhelming, others wispy and faint. I felt the coolness of the wind on my skin, blowing in all sorts of directions. There was one thing I started to notice that I never really paid attention to. Birds.
My mind went to the comforting words of Jesus:
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? (Matthew 6:26)
These words from Jesus fascinate me. Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus, fully human. Feet on the ground, walking in creation. I imagine the disciples of Jesus, listening to him speak in ways that no one has ever spoken before. As Jesus touches on the topic of anxiety, he points their gaze to the birds. He tells them that their heavenly Father feeds them. The God of all creation who sustains and holds all things together by the power of his will feeds the birds. Every bird is flying through the air under the sovereign care of an intentional and good God. As Jesus continues on, he reminds them that they are of more value than a bird.
When I read this, I’m comforted and amazed. Comforted that my heavenly Father loves me and cares for me. Amazed that Jesus said to look at birds! Out of all the creatures in the world, Jesus said birds. He didn’t say lions. He didn’t say fish. Why do I think this is? I like to believe it is because birds are everywhere. All throughout the day, you see or hear birds. Flying through the sky with grace and ease. Singing songs of different tunes. In the many situations of our life that spur anxiety, God has placed reminders all throughout the sky of our value and worth.
When I wake up and don’t know what the day will hold, I hear the birds of the air and am reminded that my God is in perfect control. He will provide me everything I need for today. When I walk through my day that doesn’t go the way I hoped, I look up and trust the words of Jesus. I am more valuable to God than a bird. He cares for me. He loves me. He provides me with all I need. I can trust him for today.
If you’re feeling anxious about life, consider going for a walk. Take some time outside and breathe in the freshness of the air. Look to the birds and be reminded of your value and worth.