Ever since mid-February this year, on the days when the weather permits here in the Northeast, I try to get out and go for a walk outside to get some fresh air. I believe it was towards the end of February when I noticed what appeared to me to be a huge population of robins this year! There were lots of robins gathered in yards not just a single one or two.
The first thought I was reminded of with seeing these birds so early in the season was about “the birds of the air.”
More recently what I have noticed on my walks is when I look up in the sky there are so many, what I am assuming are some kind of hawk, in one area just soaring around the sky.
The thought that always comes to my mind when I observe this scene, especially with seeing their wings outstretched soaring, is about “under the shadow of His wings.”
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be a bird? How amazing would it be to just be free and soar through the sky back and forth observing God’s beautiful creation? To not have any worries just knowing you can find food whenever you are hungry? And just think…I bet we wouldn’t be afraid of heights either! 😉
With wanting to pen thoughts on the birds I keep observing, it was rather fascinating to see the different Scriptures relating to those two thoughts.
Photo courtesy of mwms1916 under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
What are Bible verses that relate to “the birds of the air” and what reminders can we apply to our lives about them?
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? –Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)
God wants to remind you, my dear reader, how you are so valuable to Him! Worrying does not add a thing to your life! Let those truths sink into the deepest recess of your heart and soul…
To help you realize these truths, Jesus points out how God, our Heavenly Father takes care of the birds of the air! They live life in the present; freely flying around God’s beautiful creation! The birds do not store their food to make sure they have enough for a “rainy day!”
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The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. –Psalm 104:12 (NIV)
God wants to remind you, my dear reader, that we need to be continually praising God as we traverse His beautiful creation!
We, too, can enjoy the waters that God formed just like those birds that build their nests near the waters God created. How special it is to go for a walk and hear the beautiful melodies of the different birds singing praises to their Creator!
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Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. –Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
God wants to remind you, my dear reader, not to be afraid; you are so very valuable to God as He even knows the number of hairs on your head!
Even God’s creation of the sparrow is a treasure to God. He loves them so much that He even knows when one of them falls to the ground; He is in control of the sparrow and cares for them!
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Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food? –Job 38:41 (NIV)
God wants to remind you, my dear reader, how He provides nourishment for you; not only for your body but for your soul too!
Yes, God provides for the birds of the air sending food for them especially when the young cry out for lack of food! He doesn’t make anyone go without.
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He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.” –Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV)
God wants to remind you, my dear reader, that you can only find rest in God! His love is inclusive for all people that He has created!
Jesus shares how the birds God created, even the smallest of them, can rest in a huge tree that begins from the smallest of seeds! Yes, Jesus is sharing about the amazing mustard seed! It truly is amazing how God can make anything happen and be used for His glory!
Hawks in abundance soaring about
What are Bible verses that reference being “under the shadow of your wings” and what reminders can we apply to our lives about them?
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. –Psalm 17:8-9 (NIV)
In the shadow of God’s wings, you, my dear reader, are hidden in safety, protected from the wicked!
You are the apple of God’s eye so He is your great Protector! You are protected from the wicked who try to attack you.
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He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. –Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. –Psalm 57:1 (NIV)
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. –Psalm 61:4 (NIV)
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. –Psalm 36:7 (NIV)
In the shadow of God’s wings, you, my dear reader, find refuge!
God’s feathers will protect you; His faithfulness is your shield.
God’s mercy is your refuge and will keep you safe until the disaster has passed.
You dwell with God forever in the security of Him.
God’s love never fails! God is a refuge for all people.
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Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. –Psalm 63:7 (NIV)
In the shadow of God’s wings, you, my dear reader, can sing God’s praises!
You are always assured of God’s help so you have every reason to sing His praises, rejoicing in His goodness.
Thought my son’s college shirt was fitting to share!
Wow~~What powerful Scriptures to remind us of God’s faithfulness and great love for all of His creation! He takes care of it all!
The next time you are out for a walk in God’s beautiful creation be sure to look for the birds of the sky, smile and remember how God is reminding you
…of your value
…how He is your refuge protecting you
…every step of the way~~~
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. –Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Soar high on wings like eagles. –Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. –Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? –Romans 8:31 (NLT)
