Stop and Look at the Birds

{Daily Selah}

As we enter this new year, none of us knows what 2015 may bring.

We can look at other people around us and think, "Hmm... They seem to have a perfect life and don't have any worries."

Actually, no one has a perfect life. No one is immune to the cares and struggles of this life.

But, when things look bleak, we have a place to go. In Matthew 6, Jesus gave us a reason for hope and a reason not to worry. In plain language, He said, "Don't ever worry about what you're going to eat, or what you're going to drink. Take a look at the birds."

For someone concerned about putting food on the table or clothing their children, this must have, at first, seemed preposterous. Can you imagine what they might have been thinking?

"What? I don't know where our next meal is coming from and you want me to stop and look at the birds?" 

"Seriously?  I have to figure out a way to get new shoes on my kids' feet and you want me to stop and look at birds?"

Yes, that's exactly what Jesus wanted of them and of you and me.  Stop and consider the birds. Why? Let's hear what else He had to say...

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew 6:26)

Did you catch the point Jesus is making here? You and I are of far more importance to the Father than a flock of birds. If He feeds them, don't you think He can feed us?

Jesus isn't done yet. He tells us the Father clothes the flowers of the field in beauty. So why wouldn't He clothe us? Then, He tells us not to worry...

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?... for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things (Mathew 6:31-32). 

God knows your every need. He knows my every need. He knows what my family needs. He knows what your family needs.

In the very next verse, Jesus says,

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). 

In other words, don't worry. Seek God first and He will take care of the rest.

When life gets overwhelming, stop and consider the birds, and be reminded that God loves you, He knows what you need and He will take care of you.

Stop and look at the birds.



{Daily Selah} is a mini-devotional, a pause to ponder about the Lord and how He wants us to live.