God Has Got This
Do you hear them? Their calls are loud and almost piercing as well as melodic and a delight to the ear. Springtime in Maryland is one of my favorite times of the year. The cardinal’s call is for me the first sign that winter has passed and we are now moving toward summer.
The cardinal is more than just a song bird, they are a sight to behold. Their beauty is well documented through photos, drawings, and paintings. From the brilliance of the red male to the calming subtle colorings of the female, they grab my attention and cause me to gaze intently.
As I watch and soak in the view, I find myself mesmerized and reminded that even the sparrow of the field and cardinals high in the trees are cared for and provided for by our maker. The God of the universe has made this clear to us.
Through the word of Jesus we are told:
“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?” Matthew 6:26
“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” Luke 12:24
How much more valuable am I? Are you? It is a rectorial question really. It’s God saying, “Listen, my child, you are so very important and valuable to me…trust me, I will take care of you. Don’t worry, I got this.”
But it gets better!
Continuing to read Luke 12 and you will find Jesus gives us even more assurances in verses 25-31:
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.”
This is what I needed to be reminded of today and everyday – to be reminded by the call of the cardinal, lilies of the field that God cares for me and for you. He will have my back and your back in all circumstances.
He understands we have:
Fears
Failures
Worries
He knows us and yet He points to the birds saying, “Remember, you are more valuable”. He shows us the flowers saying, “I care for you.” Our Father knows our needs and promises to meet them. Ultimately in all of our stress and anxiety, He tells us to have faith and to keep our thoughts focused on the Kingdom of God.