Matthew 25 "If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. 26 Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
- Psalm 124:6 Oh, blessed be GOD! He didn't go off and leave us. He didn't abandon us defenseless, helpless as a rabbit in a pack of snarling dogs.7 We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird. Their grip is broken; we're fee as a bird in flight. 8 GOD's strong name is our help, the same GOD who made heaven and earth.
Let's Go
Last week began as a week of newness springing forth, rejuvenation, hope, and restoration. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, all things seemed to be looking up. Victory was in sight. Toward the end of my week, things took a turn and I was disappointed by a very hard situation within my family. I felt the brief respite from the seemingly unending attack had ended much too quickly. I sat and let a few tears flow as I prayed. I told God I was tired of this battle. I asked Him couldn't I do something else for a while instead of marching right back on to the same old battlefield. I am pretty sure God said, "Nope, this is it, wipe your tears, get up, let's go."
Once again I took a deep breath, put on my battle armor and marched right back into the war. I know I am not alone in this battle. I know God is with me always. He said, "let's." Happily, that does mean that He is with me fighting this battle. I remembered again we cannot count on our happiness or the happiness of those around us to bring us joy. We have to rely on the joy of the Lord that lives within us giving us the strength to continue on and on.
Jesus died for me. His Spirit lives within me. I am free!
Yesterday I once again sat outside and watched the birds flying around enjoying the warmth. They seemed to be so happy without a worry or care, just as happy as they were the last time I noticed them when I was having a much happier day. Do birds have any battles to fight? Anyone watching them can plainly see the freedom they exhibit. They never look sad, depressed, downtrodden, or burdened with the mully grubbies. It's as if the birds know God is watching over them and provides their sustenance day by day. It is also as if they know their job is to fly around looking free and happy giving hope to us humans who don't always feel so free and happy. Funny thing is we have God's Word to read and study which teaches us that He cares for us and yet the birds sometimes seem to understand God's Word better than we do.
They seem to exhibit His joy, peace, and freedom continually.
This week take the time to enjoy God's beauty all around you. Watch the birds flying, the flowers blooming, and the bees buzzing. No matter what battle you are in, remember God is in the battle with you. The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Remember there are others watching you to see how free God's people really are. Cheer up. God's strong name is our help. He is our source. He is our protector, defender, and provider. Get up let's go!
There are battles to fight and a war to win. The victory is ours.
jbp