Mine Creek Baptist Church
Behold The Fowls of The Air
By Preacher Chris Rathborne
Often my nights are what many would call restless. Over the years one learns that when you can’t sleep, for whatever reason, use the time wisely. Years ago, when I couldn’t sleep, frustration would often set in and it made sleepless nights even worse. The Lord has taught me that when those sleepless nights come, take advantage of the quiet hours to spend with Him. Thus, was the case this morning.
Since spring has sprung, it seems that things have been extremely busy. So many tasks have been demanding time that sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever get everything done. Around 3:20 a.m., I rolled over and looked at the clock and lay there thinking of all there was to do before this week was over. In my mind, I kept trying to figure out how or if I would get it all finished. Realizing sleep wasn’t going to happen, I decided to go ahead and get up and read some.
The cool morning air blew through the window in the den as the smell of my coffee brewing filled the house. As I sat there reading the Scriptures, at around 4 a.m., a bird began to sing from one of the trees in the yard. He or she was singing loudly as if it were already daylight. The sound of its beautiful song kept flowing through the open window as I continue to read. Other birds began to join in. In the back of my mind, even while reading, I wondered, “What in the world are those birds singing about two hours before daylight?”
Then right on time, just as if Jesus had planned it, I read, “Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than? Which of you by taking thought (worrying) can add one cubit unto his stature?” Matthew 6:26-27
Now to keep in context of where these Scriptures are found, Jesus is teaching about not worrying about food, clothing, or the basic needs of everyday life. I must confess that what was mostly waking me up this morning was worrying about how I was going to get everything done this week. Between work, family, ministry, and projects at church, I was feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Pressured if you will, to feel as if all these things had to be done right now! You ever get that way?
The birds kept singing and Jesus kept speaking to my heart. “Stop worrying and trust me!”, Jesus spoke to my heart. Now I realized the things that were worrying me had nothing to do with my basic everyday needs such as food and clothing. Thankfully, and by God’s grace, He has provided those blessings above and beyond. That wasn’t necessarily the point of what He was saying. The worrying part was what He was speaking to me about. You see, I believe that Jesus wants us to trust Him with everything!
Birds begin each day singing. I’ve always believed that they are singing to their Creator. The song of the dove, the chirp of the robin, the constant songs of all the different birds every morning seem to be a beautiful sacred hymn to God. Birds face each day trusting God to provide their needs. Each day before the day begins, they sing to their Heavenly Father. They’re not worrying about what lies ahead, they just simply sing and trust. One day at a time, their Creator provides for them. No doubt, no worrying, no panic in their hearts of what might or might not happen. No worry of tomorrow, just singing and trusting God today.
Slowly this morning, I realized that all the worrying that was causing me to lose sleep was silly. The birds were trusting Jesus more than I was trusting Jesus! Then He said, “Are ye not much better than they?”
So, this day, I will do what I can. This day I will trust Jesus to help me accomplish what He sees fit for me to accomplish. This day will be faced with Him, and He will meet my needs and more. Lord willing, tomorrow will be another day and He will provide again.
Lord, I begin this day with a song in my heart to You. Thank you for reminding me once again that it’s all about you. Help me to face one day at a time and trust you with each one. Help me to accomplish today what I can and trust you with the things I can’t. Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to behold the fowls of the air. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Preacher Chris Rathbone serves as Pastor at Mine Creek Baptist Church. You can find him on facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001695469977
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