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?” [NLT]

When I got up this morning my backyard was full of adorable little birds waiting for Bob to replenish the birdfeeders. They had completely cleaned them out last night. They didn’t seem to be anxious when they departed last night about whether there would be more to eat today. They left for their rest and now are back again, somehow knowing that Bob will be filling up their plates once more.

They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet they are fed. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded His listeners that they are so much more valuable than the birds of the air to our Father God. We are not to worry about this life; after all He pointed out, if we can’t add even a single hour to it, what good is worrying anyway.

I can quote that verse from heart. I understand it with my head all the time; it is just plain common sense. What good is worrying about life when you really have no control on its most basic factor—its length?

Understanding it with my heart is a different matter. It is very easy to understand when life is rolling along at a steady, even keel. It is very difficult to appropriate in my heart when life is not steady or even when storms arise or problems sprout up. Then not worrying becomes more difficult at the exact time it becomes more necessary.

My backyard is full of little birds partaking of the daily supply Bob provides. I’m working in my heart to nudge out the worry and anxiety that seem to want to take root, reminding myself that as Bob cares for those little birds, my Father cares for me.