Matthew 6:25-34
26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
Matthew 6:25-34 did a detailed job in highlighting our tendency as human beings to stress over the basic needs of life/ongoing upkeep; but most especially, this passage addresses the need to put our trust in God as it relates to the fundamental human needs. A majority of the endeavors we engage in are centered around the provisions of our food, clothing, and shelter. We are consumed by these pursuits – though rightly so, but excessively addicted.
While it is expected of us to work and provide our needs; a potential danger becomes inevitable when we allow that mindset to becloud the fact that God is the One behind scenes, making things happen for us. In other words, God is ultimately responsible for our daily provisions, survival, and upkeep.
The place of trust (in God) is hampered when we begin to fret over the loss of a job, business, or any income meant for the supply of our fundamental human needs. God does not want us to worry or to be anxious about tomorrow; what we would eat, what we would wear, how we would pay our bills, and so forth.
To register His displeasure at such an attitude, Jesus made a profound comparison (in Matthew 6:26) that drives the point home. Have you considered the fact that birds do not go to work for their daily upkeep; they have no investments stored up for the future, (because they are not humans, and not privy to such endeavors) – yet their basic needs are supplied, and God takes care of them day by day!
The last sentence in verse 26 brings on a sobering thought, “Are you not of more value than they?” – let this sink in for a while. Human beings occupy the highest level of superiority/importance in God’s creation – we are made in God’s image, in His own likeness; and surely we are of greater value than the birds of the air, or the flowers of the field!
God puts so much effort into taking care of His creatures. The birds sing happily in the sky; the flowers display their beautiful colors in the field. Yet it is only humans that Christ died for – that tells you how valuable we are in His sight!
Will God abandon you? No! You cost Him His life! He will provide for your basic needs. You just have to learn to trust Him day by day.
His eye is on the sparrows, and I know HE cares for me!