I love to walk, and I typically walk an average of 30 to 40 miles per week. I find this particular form of exercise therapeutic because it enables me to think, pray, reflect, and take note of the small wonders of nature around me. In this unprecedented season especially, it’s been a source of inspiration and joy to behold the unaffected state of God’s creation as it functions outside the realm of human kingdoms, and nowhere has this been more evident than in watching the birds of the air. No matter how crazy things get below, these feathered friends chirp joyfully, go about their business, and fly freely above the troubles of the world. I first took note of this a number of years ago when I was jogging on a dirt nature trail and passed through a swarm of gnats that stuck to the sweat on my face and eyes, almost like sticky paper. As I worked to wipe them off, suddenly a group of sparrows swooped down and began gobbling them up. I have to say, I was cheering the birds on as I watched, but I was especially interested in how they stuck together so full of joy and life. God provided for them through the bugs that annoyed me, and there was no anxiety or panic on their part. In that moment, it became clear to me why Jesus used birds as an example when He taught us not to worry.

As simple as they are, there are lessons to be learned from the birds of the air, my friend. While they do work hard, they also start their day in song and flit carelessly from place to place as they tend to their daily tasks. They are not worried or stressed out, yet your faithful Savior has His loving eye on them, which means He certainly has His gaze on you. The Lord sets kingdoms and rulers in place, and He protects and provides for His children, even as the world falters. Jesus is taking care of you, singing love songs to your heart, and giving you wings to fly above the troubles and tribulations that assail.