Try bird watching!

You may not like the political party that’s in power, but you’re much better off than the Jewish people Jesus was speaking to here. Their country was occupied by the Romans, and they paid extortionate taxes to keep them in power. They lived as slaves so they worried a lot. Then Jesus came along and said: ‘Look at the birds. They don’t plant…harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?’ (Matthew 6:26-27 NLT). In other words, if you worry a lot – try bird watching! Birds don’t know where their next meal is coming from, yet you never see one sitting on a branch having an anxiety attack. So here’s the question: ‘Aren’t you far more valuable to God than they are?’ A man who was out of work, despondent, and worried about feeding his family noticed some birds eating strawberry shortcake from a bin. All at once it dawned on him – ‘If God can feed the birds strawberry shortcake, surely He can take care of me too!’ Even if you suffer from a poor self-image and think you’re not worth taking care of, aren’t you still more valuable than a bird? So look at how well your heavenly Father takes care of them, and remind yourself that He will take care of you too. If anxiety is robbing you of happiness during the day and sleep at night, make up your mind to live by this Scripture: ‘Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you’ (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).

Prayer Point

Lord, nothing escapes Your notice. Nothing is too small for You to care about. You know and love every creature, and care for even the tiniest one. So I can be sure You’ll take care of me, Your precious child. Help me see myself as You see me: loved and valued. Whenever I feel anxiety building up, help me turn my mind instead to Your love for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.