Of all the animals God chose to compare us to, why birds? Why not the Amur Leopard, or the Javan Rhinoceros? When compared to the Amur Leopard (110 left in the world!) or the Javan Rhinoceros (about 74 left in the world!), there are over 10,000 different species of birds, and more than 200 billion birds in the world! God knew what He was doing in comparing us with birds, because every day we can see examples of them and how God takes care of them.
One of the most repeated phrases in the Bible is, “Do not be afraid!” (appearing 81 times in the NIV). The thing about fear is that it actually brings a little caution to the party. Fear makes you take a step back to consider what you are about to do. The distinction between “having fear” and “being controlled by it” is very important. When fear takes over, it leads to regret. Fear and regret are not the same thing. Regret lasts a whole lot longer than fear does.
When fear takes over, it leads to regret.
When our daughter Tobi was 9 years old, we had a membership at the local community pool. Each day after swimming lessons we would stay so that she could hang out with her friends. The highlight of each afternoon was when they would open up the diving pool, and all of the kids would head over to the high dive. Many times throughout the course of the afternoon, Tobi would mount up the courage to climb to the top of the high dive. Once she got to the top and would look down to realize just how high she was . . . fear would take over.
Down she would come, continuing this routine for many weeks. It got to the point where she would be going home every afternoon filled with regret, because she felt that she was missing out by not getting over her fear of jumping from that high dive. Then one afternoon, up Tobi went. This time as she climbed up the ladder, the kids, parents, and even the lifeguards started to yell Tobi’s name, encouraging her to make the jump! And finally, without any hesitation . . . Tobi jumped. She had faced her fear, and after that day she no longer felt the regret of missing out on jumping from that high dive.
God knew what He was doing in comparing us with birds, because every day we can see examples of them and how God takes care of them.
Today, what is it that has you worried, anxious, or fearful? What is it that can not be covered by our Heavenly Father who loves you, and who will take care of all of your needs, no matter how big, small, or silly they may seem? It’s okay to take a step back and show caution, but don’t let that worry, anxiety, or fear cause you to miss out on all that God has planned for your life!
Confession for today: “Today, I lay all worry, anxiety, and fear at the feet of my Heavenly Father, who knows every one of my needs. No longer do I have to be afraid or have regret of missing out on all that God has planned for my life . . . today, tomorrow, or in the future.”
Living for today,
Mr. Tom
