Look at the Birds: Trusting God as Our Provider
Matthew 6:25-27
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and 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, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”
Look at the birds. They don't worry, they don't have anxiety, and yet they have all they need. Not because they have great faith, but because they were created completely reliant on God's provision. They do their part, and God provides. Imagine that.
Birds do not build barns, hoard food, or stress about the economy. They simply live out their design, living off His provision day by day. They are incapable of feeling the way we do when the future is unclear. We can't see anything but fog in front of us, so we naturally think our boat is heading for rocks or will run aground. But who is at the helm?
Birds are a great example of God's love for all of His creation. Aren't we more valuable? Of course we are, and Jesus is using birds to help us see that our value is inherent and is in no way affected by our achievements.
Take every thought captive, especially the thoughts of worry about tomorrow. The birds remind us to unplug from the noise! They do not check the news or worry about economics, yet they survive. The verse tells us to step back from the devices and anchor ourselves in our day-to-day provision.
Trusting God as our Provider is an action, not a statement.
Modern "barns" can be money, stocks, and resources we hoard out of fear of running out.
There is nothing wrong with saving or preparing for tomorrow, but what is driving it—wisdom or fear? When we begin trusting God as our Provider, we can let go of fear-based hoarding and become more generous and willing to care for others.
It all starts with trusting that tomorrow, God will provide.
Do you have a barn?
Thank you, Father, for one more day. Amen.
Matthew 6:31-33
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
