Lightning illuminates the sky. Sounds of thunder fill the air. Waters rise higher and higher across the surrounding fields and create new ponds in our yard – and basement. Trees bow nearly flat on their faces as the wind whistles through their branches. We draw the curtains, stoke the fire, and nestle deeply into the pillows and soft blankets of our couch. We hide away behind a screen filled with fearful messages of storm warnings and a prevailing sickness. Yet outside, America’s favorite songbird continues to peacefully and cheerfully sing while seizing the opportunity to drink and bathe from the abundant water that heaven has provided. Their chirping has no sound of fear for tomorrow or worries of the unknown. Instead, their soothing voice echos a profound message that the same God that provided yesterday and today is that same God that will provide for tomorrow.
In Matthew 6 we are invited to take on this same peaceful perspective. Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? … So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
In a world full of fear there is an opportunity for God’s children to radiate a peace that surpasses all understanding. Unlike the world, our thoughts do not have to be dominated by the “what ifs.” We are the children of God. Our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We are heirs of Christ and the same God that provided for us yesterday and today is the same God that will provide all we need for tomorrow because if He does that for the birds, how much MORE will He do the same for us.