Matthew 6:25-26 (NKJV) “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 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?
What is disturbing your peace of mind? What are your dominant thoughts? Are you concerned about economic volatility and job security?
Encouraging someone who is anxious or worried is never easy. Their thoughts often cycle through all possible negative scenarios. They won’t find peace of mind until the issue is resolved, or someone reassures them that it has been settled. Usually, it takes someone greater, with more resources, influence and power than they themselves to provide that reassurance. There is no one better to give us assurance than the Heavenly Father Himself, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Therefore, hearing from God fills us with faith and hope.
The Swedes know that when there are many berries in the forest, it signals a long and cold winter ahead. This is God’s way of providing food for the birds in preparation for winter, since berries are their main source of nourishment. He ensures these birds won’t starve during the upcoming long, cold season. Even the world’s richest person cannot feed all the birds, but since creation, God has faithfully never ceased to feed His creation.
Jesus invites us to reflect on the Heavenly Father’s love when we feel anxious about life. He urges us not to focus on our circumstances but to trust in our Heavenly Father’s love. The issue for many Christians is that they too often see God as powerless and small in their hearts or in their eyes. Who is the Heavenly Father to you? How great is God to you?
Aren’t you and I more valuable than the birds? If you feel anxious about tomorrow, go for a walk and watch the birds. If they have enough to eat, you will certainly be provided for because you are priceless in God’s eyes!
Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Are you trying to provide for yourself instead of trusting in God’s provision? How does recognising your priceless worth in God’s sight affect the way you face fear or insecurity?
Sermon Series: Therapeutic Bird Watching
观鸟的反思
马太福音 6:25-26 所以我告诉你们，不要为生命忧虑吃什么喝什么，为身体忧虑穿什么。生命不胜于饮食吗？身体不胜于衣裳吗？你们看那天上的飞鸟，也不种也不收，也不积蓄在仓里，你们的天父尚且养活它，你们不比飞鸟贵重得多吗？
是什么在搅扰你的内心平安？你的主导思想是什么？你是否为经济波动和工作保障而忧虑？
安慰一个焦虑或担忧的人从来都不容易。他们的思绪常常循环在各种可能的负面情况中。他们无法找到内心的平安，除非问题得到解决，或者有人能让他们确信事情已经妥当。通常，只有比他们更伟大、拥有更多资源、影响力和能力的人，才能给予这样的保证。在所有人之上，没有人比天父更适合给予我们这种确据——祂是天地的创造主。因此，听见神的声音会让我们充满信心与盼望。
瑞典人知道，当森林里浆果很多时，这预示着一个漫长而寒冷的冬天即将到来。这是神为飞鸟预备食物的方式，因为浆果是它们主要的食物来源。祂确保这些鸟在即将到来的漫长寒冬中不会挨饿。即便是世界上最富有的人，也无法养活所有的飞鸟；但自创造以来，神从未停止养护祂所造的一切。
耶稣邀请我们在感到生活焦虑时，思想天父的爱。祂劝勉我们不要聚焦于环境，而要信靠天父的爱。许多基督徒的问题在于，他们常常在心中把神看得微小或无力。天父在你心中是谁？神在你眼中有多伟大？
你我岂不比飞鸟更宝贵吗？如果你为明天感到焦虑，不妨去散步，观察飞鸟。如果它们有足够的食物，你也一定会得到供应，因为在神眼中，你是无价的！
腓立比书 4:19 我的神必照他荣耀的丰富，在基督耶稣里使你们一切所需用的都充足。
反思：你是否在试图靠自己供应自己，而不是信靠神的供应？认识到自己在神眼中是无价的，这会如何影响你面对恐惧或不安的态度？
讲章系列：观鸟中的安息与医治