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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? Matthew 6:26

I’m always amazed when I watch the birds as storms approach. I remember one time in particular. The sky to the west was ominously black as a severe summer storm was approaching. The distant rumble of thunder grew louder. The lightning flashes became more frequent. I was watching the impending storm from my deck and getting ready to head inside for cover as the first drops of rain began to fall.

As I slid the patio door open I noticed out of the corner of my eye a robin perched on the top of one of our young trees. The wind was beginning to blow, giving the robin quite a ride. In my concentration on the storm I’d never even noticed that the bird was singing at the top of its lungs!

While the rest of the world was preparing to take cover, the bird was singing praises to its maker! I stepped inside to watch the storm…and my friend, the robin. The sky grew darker. The wind increased and finally, my little friend flew off for the safety of a larger oak standing nearby.

My Heavenly Father put on a great light show complete with pelting rain and window-shaking thunder. I stood at the window enjoying the show and occasionally looking into the oak. The storm occasionally grew too severe for me to see clearly, but the robin sat in its place of refuge until the rain stopped and a beautiful rainbow signaled the end of our adventure.

Jesus’ words came to my mind as I replayed what just happened. Look at the birds of the air. Birds don’t worry about where tomorrow’s food will come from and they aren’t concerned about 401k’s or pension plans. They don’t concern themselves with planting and harvesting and all the other things we humans worry about. They know that their Father in Heaven will provide exactly what they need.

Every once in awhile I see or hear a robin singing at the top of its lungs. I remember the lesson my friend taught me in the storm. I’m so much more valuable to the Father than a robin. He sent his Son to die for my sin. He made me in His image. He gave the promises of his Word and the assurance of eternal life with him.

If he loves me that much do I need to worry about tomorrow? If he loves me that much do I need to be anxious when the storms of life attack? I don’t think so. As the old gospel hymn says, “For His eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

PRAYER: Heavenly Father. I thank you for the extreme passion you have for your creation. I praise you for the fact that in all of your greatness and power you think enough to protect the birds during a storm and provide for them in their need. Forgive me for the times I’ve worried. Empower me with your Holy Spirit to trust you completely. When the storms of life approach help me to cling to the promises you have given me. In Jesus name, Amen.