Read: Matthew 6:25-34
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. (v. 26)
For several years my parents have had a year-round bird feeder on the railing of the deck behind their house. There is also a hummingbird feeder that comes out in the summer and a suet ball hung in the nearby crab apple tree during the winter.
My mom and dad have the joy of watching the birds thrive. The robins are regulars, and over the years we’ve all stood at the window to admire the occasional cardinal or blue jay. No one really talks much about the sparrows, but there are always plenty of them. Even though they don’t seem that exciting or have especially vibrant feathers, they get the same treatment as all the other birds. They come. They are fortified. They come again. Oh, that our faith in God’s providence could mirror the sparrows at my parents’ feeder!
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he told all gathered there of God’s love and providence. It didn’t matter who anyone was or their social standing, Jesus urged each of them to know that God’s care for them was far greater than anything else in his creation, including the birds: “Are you not of more value than they?” (v. 28).
When we next choose to be anxious for tomorrow, fearing we may not have or even be enough, may we then also choose to let go of our fear and instead trust God for his daily provision for us. —Joy Petroelje
As you pray, thank God for his continual care and faithfulness.
About the Author
Joy Petroelje is the director of a nonprofit human services organization. She and her husband Steve have three sons and live near Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to family time and her work in nonprofit administration, Joy enjoys reading, writing, and running.
