Lessons from the Birds

Birds are an object of fascination in my house. We have a series of birdfeeders in our back yard and a big window to watch them from. From chickadees to robins to wrens to cowbirds to blue birds; you name it, we probably have seen them! Each bird is so unique.

 

Matthew 10:29 talks about how God cares for the birds: “What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.”

God cares for each bird and I think we can learn from them.

 

Geese: These big birds always stick together. Very rarely do you see a single goose; they’re usually in pairs. They eat together. Nest together. Fly together. Protect each other. They are a family and a team. They have each other’s backs.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”

Blue jays and mockingbirds: These birds are feisty! They chase away anything that they think may threaten their territory, even if that thing may be much larger than itself. They are bold and don’t let evil overcome them. By doing this, predators that could do harm tend to flee or just avoid them all together!

 

James 4:7 says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

 

Cardinals: Even in the winter, these birds stand out. They’re bright red color speaks for them and provides some cheer on bleak or snowy days. They also are very self-sacrificing birds. When they have babies, they pluck each other to provide soft feathers for their nests. They use what they have to provide for their families.

Deuteronomy 16:17 says, “All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the LORD your God.”

Blue birds: These birds are so cheary! Not only are they beautiful, but they have such a pretty chirp. Bluebirds were known for bringing happiness in ancient China because wherever they went, a joyful song followed.

Psalm 100:2 says, “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

Robins: These energetic birds are constantly looking for food, usually worms. When it rains, they are the first ones out looking for worms that may have come out of the ground. When they are not looking for food, they are building and adding to their nests with twigs and sticks and anything else they can find. I don’t think I have ever seen a robin just sunning himself; they are always keeping busy with something!

Proverbs 14:23 says, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

All these birds and more can teach us valuable lessons. God cares for each bird and He cares for us too.

Matthew 6:26 says, “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?”

Birdseed may be for the birds, but Christ came for us and He promises to take care of our every need. In that, we can put our hope.