Dear downhearted,
Are you struggling with a heightened sense of uncertainty in this season? I don’t blame you if you do. There is a lot of uncertainty right now. We don’t know what’s coming next. There’s been so much uncertainty and change in 2020 that is has become almost like a joke at this point. But it’s not a joke. It’s very real, and it can cause us great distress and fear. I know personally the distress that can come from fear and uncertainty.
I wanted to share a verse with you that the Lord has used over and over again in my life, especially in seasons like this: Matthew 6:25-34. In this passage, Jesus is talking to worriers like me! He’s speaking to those who are anxious and overcome by uncertainty, and he uses an object lesson to teach us. He says “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
Jesus points us to God’s love and care for creation, in the image of a little bird. The bird does not wake up each morning wondering what new problem will arise. He doesn’t have a bank account that he seeks to fill to the brim. He doesn’t have contingency plans for every situation life could throw at him. He lives each day trusting that he will have what he needs. And the beautiful part is that God makes sure he does! If God cares for this little bird, why wouldn’t he care for us?
God shows his love for his creation in simple acts like caring for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. But he also shows his love and care for us in grander ways. The greatest of those ways is on the cross. Jesus Christ lived the life you and I were called to live but failed and died the death we deserve for our sin. He then rose from the dead defeating sin and death for all those who trust in him. If he handled our biggest problem, he can be trusted with everything else. He is the God of the little bird and the God who defeats death. When you are feeling uncertain, remember that God is not. He is in control and he loves you. God is your good Father and he’s also the powerful King. What a secure place to live!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Andy