I had a birthday recently – #61. I remember the days when I thought 61 was old. Now that I am here I don’t feel old but I think there may be signs. For my birthday I received a bird feeder…with…a…camera! When I am connected to the app it will notify me anytime a bird lands on the feeder. It may be one of the best presents ever. When my phone dings I am quick to open up the app and see which bird has landed. Does that make me old? When my greatest source of entertainment is birds eating seeds? I bombarded my family group chat with pictures for a few days.

As I sat and watched that cardinal (Chirp! Chirp! to you Ball State Alum), I was reminded that God too is a bird watcher. Matthew quotes Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount, “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.” (Matthew 6) And again, when Jesus is sending out the twelve, and is preparing them for what they will face he tells them, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.”  (Matthew 10:29) 

Throughout Scripture birds illustrate God’s care and provision. Birds do not spend their lives worrying about what is next, where their food will come from, what might happen to them. God provides. “Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6)

BUT! Worry is a part of the human experience. If it weren’t, Jesus would not have told us what to do when it happens. Life is filled with uncertainty. The average person lives about 29,200 days (trust me I read it on the internet). By those numbers I am in the final quarter of my life here. But Jesus says that worrying won’t add a single hour, much less a day. And he knows what my days look like – nothing happens outside the will of the Father – whether he permits it or brings it – I can trust that his eye is on me.

A little farther down on that page, Jesus says Oh you of little faith? That describes all of us at some point or points in our lives. And just because God feeds the birds, they aren’t fearless. They even scare each other while they are feeding. But when we worry, when those times of uncertainty, doubt or fear do come – stop and look around – remind yourself of all the things God, who is watching us, has provided.

Step back, take a breath and “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 
I am not saying replacing worry with faith is easy – it’s not – I am saying it is possible when we focus on the Father – the Provider!

What are you worried about today? What uncertainty are you facing? God sees you! God hears your cries! Chirp! Chirp! Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you! You can rest in him!