Lessons from Birds

This morning, I was reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 6, “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. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

I awoke to sunlight streaming in through my window and the birds joyously singing. It was a perfect reminder that when God provides beautiful weather and necessities in plenty, I should praise Him.

It is God who allows blessings in my life.

In contrast, while I was on a walk in the chilly rain last week, I happened to stumble upon a tiny baby bird lying lifeless on the pathway. Apparently, it had fallen from its nest high in the trees above and had broken its neck. Yet, the sound of other birds singing still resonated throughout the woods. It taught me another lesson: When God takes away life and allows grief, I should praise Him, still.

It is God who allows sorrows in my life as well.

The past couple of weeks have been a reality check for me. I have seen deaths, watched others endure sickness and suffering, and experienced grief and loss on different levels. Getting caught up in living can steal my focus -- grief tends to rob all joy. But, I keep striving to remember that this pain is temporary and light – it should not be the focus of my heart. 


Sometimes I feel unloved and rejected. Sometimes I don't feel valuable at all. But that is the devil's deceit; Christ's rhetorical question, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” demands the answer, “Yes.”

Christ proved His power and authority at the cross. 

 He proved my worth in His sight at the cross. 

 He proved His love for me at the cross.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your deep, great love. You show me that You value me, regardless of my shortcomings. It's not that I'm something special – it's that Jesus is Someone special, and He made a way for me to have true hope and joy in You.

Please continue to lead me as I praise you...

One step at a time...

Rachel