Matthew 10:29-31 – Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (NKJV)

Matthew 6:25-26 – Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 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? (NKJV)

Have you ever noticed a sparrow, or other bird, fluffing its feathers in a sprinkler or during a light rain? Birds spend a lot of time preening, but the amount of time and effort that they put into bathing and dusting indicates how critical the maintenance of their marvellous and intricate feathers must be. Keeping them functional requires constant care.

Just as the sparrow maintains its feathers, we need to spend time maintaining and building our spiritual life in relationship to Jesus Christ. Part of that building process, Jesus tells us, is learning how to trust God's loving care for us. It doesn't matter whether it is an eagle or a sparrow, God's Word says that as much as He cares for the birds of the air, He values us even more than them. Yes, life in our world requires that we work to provide for our family's survival needs, but we must always remember that it is our heavenly Father Who grants our success through employment and other resources.

That makes me wonder why, if God values believers more than birds that can sing, splash around, and be content, then why do we worry? Do we turn to Him for guidance, or do we become overwhelmed when He allows world systems to fall into chaos within our collective governments' leadership, our economic systems, changes in the environment, surges of migration that overload countries' welfare systems, and atmospheric changes causing famine, flood, pestilence and disease, as they have since the beginning of time?

According to His Word, let's believe that our heavenly Father will provide for us, even through times of tumultuousness. Let's believe that His Word can help us to see clearly, can strengthen us, and can give us courage to get through the times of trouble. Let's seek His face, believing what He promises us that He will do.

As the waterfall of God's Word washes us and we accept His will, we can be like the fluffy, contented sparrow washing and maintaining its feathers in a fresh rain. Could it be that we become doubtful because we become entangled with the world's view, goals, and purpose, instead of God's? It is so easy to be lured into submission to the world's ways, so let's find an area of our life where we are letting the world take control. Then, pray and ask for God's direction.

Prayer: Help us, dear Lord, to understand the differences between a worldview and Your view. Help us to trust and be content. We praise the name of Jesus for providing for us in all ways. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA
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