Today’s Bible readings are: Isaiah 17:1-6 and Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 6:26 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?
This was my mother’s favorite verse from scripture. She used quote it to me when I was a teenager. Like any other young person, I was worried about what the future would bring and anxious about the direction my life was already taking.
I can still see my mom sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea and smoking a cigarette as she patiently listened to my worries and woes. It was one of those precious moments when her mind was clear and her spirit was calm.
“Consider the birds of the air,” she softly said, “and how God feeds them.” Her words reassured me each time because, although we were a large family with limited resources, there was always food on the table at teatime and we never went hungry.
These days, we are all anxious about our lives, especially in hard economic times. We worry about our finances, our families, and our futures. During these moments, it’s good to go back to the Gospel to read the words of Jesus. He speaks to us across the centuries and reassures us that God continues to provide for His people. The birds of the air do not starve and we still have food on the table.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, these are anxious times and most of us are burdened by our worries. Help us to rely upon Your promises and to live according to Your words. Be with us this day and guide our decisions. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s verse or ask a question, please send an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s image is one of John’s popular bird drawings. It’s called “Hungry Hummingbird.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2787/4400739464_fbcc5af539_b.jpg
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