"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor
gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more
value than they?"
Matthew 6:26
When Jesus taught His disciples during the Sermon on the Mount, He directed their attention to the birds that soared in the skies. Without sowing, reaping or storing food, they were fed every day by the grace and goodness of God who created them. No man could know the number of them, the location of their nests or young, where they came from or where they were heading. The point Jesus made was His people did not need to worry or be anxious about their lives or what they were going to eat because God is faithful to feed the birds--and His people are of far greater worth to Him. Rather than seeking to have their physical needs met, God's people were to prioritise things of far greater importance as Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and
all these things shall be added to you."
Because we are people with needs and limited resources in an uncertain world, worry and anxiety are natural responses for human beings. We can worry about landing the job, and once we are employed we might worry about advancing in our career or keeping our job! The scope of our worries is not limited to ourselves, for we can worry about the health of loved ones, conflicts between nations, even potential problems that have yet to arise. Worry is endemic among humanity whether rich or poor, those who experience good health or illness, whether we are single or married. Cares of this life weigh on our minds and do nothing to provide rest or peaceful resolutions. Like heads of the mythical Hydra that sprouted again once lopped off, the satisfaction of one worry does not kill our anxiety dead. A new worry is sure to arise that is more intimidating and beastly than the previous one.
I was greatly encouraged yesterday as I drove to church. A light rain was falling, and I noticed two birds perched on a street light, leaning towards and resting their heads on one another. These were the only birds I recall seeing on the drive, likely because of the rain. Seeing that lone, mated pair of birds was a wonderful sight as I recalled the words of Jesus, and considered that God not only feeds the birds but often provides a partner for them to enjoy companionship, warmth and to breed young. There is in many people a desire for love and companionship that seems far beyond reach. It is glorious our God supplies an invitation and opportunity for a meaningful relationship with Himself as our Father, and He supplies all our other physical, spiritual and emotional needs as well. Since God provides a mate for birds of the air, shouldn't we trust Him to provide a spouse for people too? Looking for love in this world does not guarantee we will find it, but knowing God loves us, cares for us and provides for our needs, we can be content in Him whether single or married.
Seeing those birds leaning on one another in the rain was a testimony of God's faithfulness in the animal kingdom we do well to apply to our lives. It was a reminder I do not need to be anxious or worried whether my sons will one day marry and have children, for God is able to provide the right spouse for each of them in His time. It is an incredible that with all the birds that flock, sing and squawk in Sydney, God brought a male and female that was content to settle down together in the rain, happy to perch and snuggle together without a care in the world. Like God provides for the needs of birds for food or a mate, He will also provide for our need of companionship with a relationship with Himself by faith. By His grace God is also able to provide a husband or wife in His time, like He joined the widow Ruth with older Boaz. The birds teach us our love life (or lack thereof!) is nothing to be anxious or worried about, for God is faithful to supply all our needs.