There’s a lot we can learn from birds. Jesus made that point 2,000 years ago when He said, “I’m telling you, don’t worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food or drink or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable to him than them? So why do you worry about these things? Can all of your worries add a single moment of time to your life? Why do you worry about clothing?”
Practical Principles
- The believer should not worry. Jesus is not saying we shouldn’t be concerned about the needs of life—food on the table, clothes on our back, a roof over our heads—but what He is saying is don’t worry about these things. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.”
- Worry does not make your life longer; it just makes it miserable. Worry can actually shorten your life. Instead of worrying, redeem the time by making sacred and wise use of every opportunity.
- If you want to grow in your faith, instead of worrying, read your Bible and believe what it says. Romans 10:17 tells us, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
- If you don’t want to live in fear, anxiety, and worry, put your concerns in the hands of God. As someone wisely said, “When your knees start knocking, kneel on them.” People have their place in our lives, but ultimately, we must turn to God.
- “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,” make your requests to God. Don’t wait for the answer to the prayer, to give thanks. Give thanks now.
Relevant Reminders
- If God takes care of the birds and flowers, He is going to take care of you.
- Research says that if you are not reading your Bible four or more times a week, you will likely make no significant choices or changes spiritually.
- Put God first in your life. Put God first in your priorities. Put God first in your marriage. Put God first in your singleness. Put God first in your career. Put God first in your finances. Honor the Lord. Let Him have His way in your life.
- Don’t be afraid to commit an unknown future to a known God.
Applicable Actions
Fear, worry, and anxiety start with your mind. Think godly thoughts instead! The next time you fly into a panic or you’re worrying about something, remind yourself of what the Word of God says. Quote Scripture to yourself. Remind yourself of what is true. “Whatsoever things are true and lovely and virtuous and of good report, think on these things.”
