Sunday Veritas: The Birds of the Air and the Lilies of the Fields

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There are quite few warnings in the Bible about the dangers of worry. Constant worry leads to a life style of anxiety and depression. In the book of Matthew, chapter six, Jesus strongly encourages his disciples not worry about anything. He says that you cannot add one single day to your existence or solve your problems by worrying.

He asks us to look at the birds of the air as an example of how God wants to take care of us. The birds of the air do not sow, reap or store food, because God take care of them. Naturally, he expects more of us, that have be given a mind to create and build things. However, he wants to remind that God is able to take care of our lives. The prophet Isaiah says that the arm of the Lord is not too short that he cannot help us. He can and he will, but we are to stop worry.

In asking us to look at the lilies of the fields, Jesus addresses preoccupation with our appearance and how we look, or more precisely with how others see us. The flowers of the fields have none of those worries and always look good. Indeed a person without worries looks good and attractive. We want to be with them because they are pleasant.

Now what do we do with the worries of life, and I tell you, they are plenty? We bring them to God in prayer. The author of the book of Hebrews says: “Cast all cares (anxieties) to him (God) because he cares for you.” Stop today and look at the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields. Just by looking at their beauty you will be remind of God’s care for you.

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