The Example of the Birds

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you.

Job 12:7

It was a bitter day. Cold. Howling Wind. Icy needles of rain. We don’t get many days like that in East Texas. But it matched our hearts. My husband parked the car in the farthest reaches of the parking lot as we headed to a medical test that we knew would have discouraging results. As we bent against the wind, leaning on each other, something caught my eye.

On a low limb of a bare tree sat a perfectly woven bird’s nest. It was almost at my eye level, bobbing up and down with the wind. Still, it looked so secure, so safe. God brought his Word and his comfort to my heart in that moment.

Jesus said, “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? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:26-27).

If our Father tenderly and perfectly cares for the tiny sparrows and the squawking blue jays and the majestic eagles that soar, He will and He can take care of me. My fears, my doubts, my heart-cries are known to him. Even when life is bitter, the winds of circumstances are buffeting, the icy rain of hopelessness is painful,l and we feel too naked to endure, our loving Father gently warms, comforts and protects us.

We returned to our car hours later sensing that we were held in His hands. Daunting challenges were still ahead of us, but we rested in the knowledge that He is faithful to the care for the birds; He will be faithful to care for us.

Thank you, Father, for the example of the birds to remind us of your tender, faithful care.

Jill Hardin