Secure in His care

This Springtime morning the air was filled with the chirps, whistles, and cries of the birds. What a difference from the cold silent mornings to which I awakened a few weeks ago. The dogwood tree in my front yard, which was a snarl of brown twigs, this morning is decorated with beautiful white flowers. The lawn, which was patchy and brown, is lush and green. Where does all this life come from as Spring takes over from Winter? I'm not asking that like a scientist, for there are certainly explanations offered in of migratory patterns, germinating seeds, and extended sunshine warming the earth. Instead, I am looking at Springtime with worshipful wonder and thankfulness to the God who designed all this for you and me!

I found the chirping birds and bursting life in my yard curiously comforting this morning, a stark contrast to the woeful news that fills the pages of the newspaper and that pours out of the television. Our President, with all the power and authority that is available to him, is incapable of making a bird sing or a flower grow. Unending war, shortages of energy supplies, and economic challenges left President Bush grasping for answers in his news conference last night. All he could say is, "progress is being made," over and over again. In our demands, we fail to remember that he is just a man, a leader yes, but never-the-less an ordinary man.

The challenges in my own life chatter away in my mind demanding that I grow anxious, making my shoulder muscles tight and painfully tense. Most of you understand for you, too, face the stresses of life. May I invite you to go and stand for a few moments to listen to the birds, to contemplate the wonderful works of the Creator?

I read the closing chapters of the book of Job again today. I love the way God 'comforts' Job! Instead of soothing Job and empathizing with him in his sorrow, God points to the wonder of Creation as if to say, "Look up, higher, past your troubles."

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?

Tell Me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements?

Surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

To what were its foundations fastened?

Or who laid its cornerstone,

When the morning stars sang together,

And all the sons of God shouted for joy?...
Have you commanded the morning since your days began,

And caused the dawn to know its place,

That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,

And the wicked be shaken out of it? " (Job 38:4-7; 12-13, NKJV)

What a Word! We need to have our minds lifted from preoccupation with our troubles and trials. We need to gain Heaven's perspective. When we do, we will be able to live in Jesus' promise of provision. Here it is. Take it with you today and when the anxiety rises, repeat it to yourself again.
"So I tell you, don’t worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are." (Matthew 6:25-26, NLT)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, NIV)