GN Commentary: June 12, 2009 - If God Looks After the Birds...

In troubling times, it's good for us to remember how valuable we are in God's sight.

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Video Transcript

My office looks out over a beautiful green lawn in southern Ohio. It rains a lot in that part of the country, which usually makes the grass very green. It also at times brings out the worms.

As I looked out of the office window one day, I saw a little friend. He didn't see me, because of the reflection off the glass, but I could see him. It was a little bird; it may have been a robin or a sparrow; I no longer recall. In any case, he was getting ready to dine, unaware of my spying on him.

He had in his mouth a nice juicy worm, still wriggling. Since I'm not partial to worms, I didn't offer to join him. In any case, this little bird wasn't about to let his feast escape, and he seemed quite proud of his catch.

As I watched, I was reminded of some of Jesus Christ's statements about birds, and their importance in God's sight. Remember this one? "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" (Matthew 6:26, NIV).

Even if you've read that passage before, it's good to review it: God tells us not to worry about the basics of life, like food, drink and shelter. It goes on to say, "Are you not much more valuable than they?"

God takes care of the little birds! How much more will He take care of His people, those who live according to the teachings of the Bible? "So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'"

In troubling times, it's good for us to remember how much more valuable we are in God's sight than that little bird, clutching its dinner in its beak. Our Creator gives us wonderful, reassuring promises, and asks us to receive—and act on—His teachings so we may be free of worry. Let's be sure not leave those promises out there, just for the birds.

For GN Magazine, I'm Ralph Levy.