Saturday, September 1, 2012

When I am Afraid

Outside my window on a tiny limb in a big oak tree perched a tiny sparrow.


 He bravely faced the wind and the light rain falling and I was fascinated.

Fascinated because I thought birds tucked their heads under their wings against the rain. 
Fascinated because into my mind floated a memory, a teaching from long ago about the birds of the air. 

My natural tendency is to worry and be anxious...yes, to be afraid.

 Afraid of tomorrow, 
  afraid of illness,
              lack of income,
              hurts. 
Afraid. 

As I watched the sparrow flit from branch to branch high up in the oak tree, I realized how free he was.

 No fear of falling. 
 No fear of the wind.
 No fear of the rain. 

Once the little creature almost missed the branch and hung on by a leaf but he didn't seem fearful. He just reached out for the limb and moved on. Free!

How can he be like this? Because his Maker will provide for him.

 And He will provide for me because I am of great worth to Him. 
So, when I am afraid of whatever, I remember the birds of the air and the One who loves me so. 


The Cure for Anxiety

25 For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

Matthew 6:25-26

New American Standard Bible (NASB)