I wonder how much of my life I have lived being color-blind.
My soul knows that the cares of this life can camouflage even the most vibrant of God’s creations and gifts. It’s clear to me that I’m blinded by my own cares on too many occasions.
Weights that can only be identified when I’m in stillness before Him cast Light on my sins of collecting and controlling – two deceptive actions that become dressed in the attractive word of “strength.”
But my strength is no strength at all.
So how do I receive His joy, which is my strength? Jesus always replies in His grace and my graceful answer is flying overhead.
A patriotic flutter of color by my resident blue jays and cardinals draws me close to the One who sees me, freeing me from myself with His words that paint a picture…
“Look at the birds of the air…” He says. And I can feel myself let go…
In His compassion and abundance, He speaks. ”I care for them…how much more will I care for you?”
These birds that glide and hop from limb-to-limb while serenading their Creator and the One who rescues me time and again from myself are God’s gifts and reminders that He is with me and that His freedom flies all around.
If I look up, these reminders wake my heart to remember that I own this freedom.
This solution-in-the-sky for a sleepy-soul was placed here by the hands of Heaven so that minds would awaken and untangle at the same blessed time.
My cavern-of-concerns is brimming with uncertainties about parenting, finances, the care of loved ones, the suffering of loved ones, physical pains, broken relationships, tension in relationships, callings in life, and the list doesn’t end anytime soon.
Flesh naturally searches for the answers and slightly panics. I often think: Is there a concern I should be concerned about but am missing?
Then, I hear His song, “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 6:26-27)
When I forget about the character of God then I forget about the sovereign care of Him too, and that births the lie that I am on my own.
But birds, these beautiful reminders, they don’t obsess about how they will take care of themselves and their fragile families. They don’t even give a second thought about the future. Instead, they glide through the present, trusting and resting in the One who orchestrates the minutia of their lives so they can be free to fly. So we can be free to fly.
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Jasmine says
What a lovely point you make, and it speaks volumes to where I am right now. Thank you.
Kim J says
I just had similar thoughts the other day. I was out taking photos and there was a beautiful fountain. It was a hot day and the birds were throughly enjoy their bath and getting refreshment. How many times do I neglect to see the refreshment The Lord provides for me? He took great care of the birds that day, without any thought on the birds part, how much more does he care for me. Thank you for this sweet reminder and the refreshing thought.
Rachel Akers says
Jasmine, that news makes my heart sing 🙂 Kim, I love that insight.
Sharon says
How is it that ever since I started reading incourage it seems like EVERY DAY you all know exactly what I’m going through?
“I often think: ‘Is there a concern I should be concerned about but am missing?'”
I worry all the time and have all my life. My meds help, but they don’t entirely fix it. Many times, when I start to feel joy or peace, I worry that I am forgetting something that I need to worry about! So even when I have nothing to worry about, I still worry.
I love the blue jays and the cardinals and the squirrels in my yard. They remind me to slow down, breathe, and accept the peace.
Rachel Akers says
Sharon, I am teary-eyed reading your comment. I can relate and am encouraged by your words. By God’s grace He’ll help both of us keep flying free!
Colleen says
Every day i surrender my hopes and dreams to God. Everyday I secretly worry that He wont come through for me. I need prayer for my heart to realize that I cannot make or dream up plans and then feel abandoned when God doesn’t answer me. I let my imagination comforts me when life is bleak. This leads to more pain. I to have loved ones suffering, parenting concerns that my flesh convinces me I have the ability to help or fix. Letting go and trusting is so hard. Thank you for your post and sincere prayers for all the ladies here.
Caitlin | belong with wildflowers says
“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 6:26-27)
That scripture is just the reminder I needed today. I was just talking with my boyfriend about patience and how I seem to worry my life away, instead of having faith. This is a beautiful reminder to just let go, be, and fly.
Rachel Akers says
Jesus, we lift our eyes and thoughts to you so you can renew our minds to be set on you. We know that when our minds our surrendered, so follow our lives and there is the hidden freedom to finding life. We love you and ache for you and need you over and over.
Rachel Akers says
Caitlyn, I’m so very thankful that Scripture was what you “heard” in this post. God bless you.
Rachel Akers says
Caitlin, forgive me for misspelling your name in the above comment 🙂
Mari says
Began a new job this week and my mind is filled with worries. Thank you for reminding me of the birds. I got a tattoo of birds to remind myself of this very truth; I pray that it will be tattood i my heart also.
Gina says
Rachel – that was absolutely beautiful, and a great reminder to me for where I am on this journey at this point in time (as you know). You have a beautiful gift!!!
Jeneice Mozisek says
That was divinely inspired Rachel! So beautiful to see how God is touching lives through you. I knew you were special the moment I met you. I pray you continue to find your way in God’s will and plan for your life… Love you!
Rachel Akers says
Mari, love the last line in your comment. Gina and Jeneice, thank you both very much for those words and support.
Belinda Long says
This reading refreshed my spirit. I worry about all matters of the heart and try to understand the whys! Thinking back on how good God has been and continues to love me throughout just makes me close my eyes and exhale. Im making a conscious decision to count my blessing and not my burdens…flying above and counting it all joy!
Rachel Akers says
Belinda, I prayed that this post would by God’s grace give others “air” and ” wings”. More grateful than I can express that God refreshed you. You did a wonderful job reminding us how to continue to fly free by counting our blessings!
Sheila says
Thank you for this post. My cavern of concerns is making me panic of late as well. I’ll pray for all of us.
Beth WIlliams says
Rachel,
You hit the nail on the head for me today! I constantly worry about losing my job. I know that if God put me there–He must want me there for a good reason. He wouldn’t put me anywhere that I wouldn’t be able to do the work.
We need to dwell on the goodness of God daily! He helps all animals and they don’t worry–so why should we?
Joel Osteen put it best: Realize what you have, and realize that you have the victory!
Our God wants the best for His children!
Blessings:)
Rachel Akers says
Glad you know the weapon Sheila to fighting back – casting our cares on Him. I want to empty my heart each time I come to Him so there’s as much space as possible for Him. Beth, yes, praying we can all focus on whatever is good and worthy of praise.
Tara says
Thank you I needed that today.