“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 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? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)
Growing up, we had an in-ground bird feeder in our backyard. I enjoyed keeping the feeder filled so we would have a steady stream of birds visiting the feeder.
My love for feeding birds has continued into adult life. I enjoy purchasing seeds to ensure my feathered friends have some tasty choices. I have found they really enjoy thistle and Finch Lover’s seeds and consume them in great quantities. There are beautiful Goldfinches, Chickadees and Titmice along with tiny wrens and sparrows that visit. This winter, I was thrilled to see a Downey Woodpecker visiting the suet feeder. I had to do some research in my bird book to determine this beautiful visitor.
Several months ago, I started seeing bluebirds in the yard and decided to add two new foods – bluebird nuggets and mealy worms in hopes of attracting more bluebirds. These two items have been highly favored on the new bird menu and I now have additional bluebirds visiting daily. It appears that mealy worms have become the most popular entrée among all the birds.
As a child, I was unaware the Bible had many references to birds. When I first learned about Matthew 6:25-27, it became a meaningful passage for me. It’s a beautiful reminder that I do not need to worry or be anxious about anything but to put my complete trust in God. When I am overwhelmed or anxious, I’m not leaving room in my heart for Christ’s promises. It’s then that I have to stop and pray to give God my undivided attention so my attitude and thoughts will shift toward Him.
I would like to say that I no longer worry or have anxiety in my life, but I would not be truthful. When these uncomfortable and too familiar feelings rear their ugly heads, I seek to place my trust in Christ and remember God is present through the Holy Spirit living in me. He is never more than a breath away and saying the name of Jesus out loud always alters my perspective and leads to a reassuring awareness of God’s presence with me.
As I work at my desk each day, I enjoy watching the birds. I see God’s provision for them through these simple feeders. It is a comforting reminder that He cares even more for me. He has repeatedly shown me that His eyes are on me and He knows my every circumstance and need. Whenever worry tries to move in, I remember how He has provided for me in past circumstances as well as in the present.
Feeding birds is a happy place for me. It may not be your favorite pastime, but it may just offer a new understanding about your relationship with Jesus. Happy birding!