This is a beautiful passage of scripture, right? Often quoted, we can recite it when we’re worried about money, our bodies, our health, our clothes, our status, our EVERYTHING. But sometimes we are so close up to these lives, so zoomed in, it’s hard to even see the bigger picture of what Jesus might have been getting at in His words.
Look at those birds, He said. Can you picture him pointing to a massive flock? You are like one of those. Let me repeat. Your are like ONE of those. Now, imagine we’re in some super cool middle school science video where we can zoom our perspective out and fly above the birds, then above the neighborhood, above the city. How many more flocks of birds do you see? Lots, right? Keep going above the city, over your state and then your nation and continent and the whole globe. How many swarms of birds are there? How many different species? Research will tell us we can barely guestimate how many there are on earth, but we’re looking at roughly 100 billion. And they are ALL sustained and cared for by the Father.
So of course we shouldn’t worry, but do we see the bigger picture? Being a part of God’s Kingdom is nothing like being a part of a flock of birds. He has set the universe, the earth up in a manner that it doesn’t need His constant overseeing, saving, redeeming – but He has made humans entirely different. He has made us different: we need Him daily, rely on Him, need to be in relationship with Him – the whole species of us. And not only that, but He tells us that we – our singular little bird self in the midst of the billions, we have Kingdom weight. We can pray for the other billions, care for them, and seek the good of the whole mass. All at once, we can have an incredibly personal and beautiful relationship with our Father and a Kingdom-minded heart that beats for the spiritual battles being waged before us and above us and on the other side of the world.
So – no, don’t worry about what you’re going to wear or eat or drink. Not just because He already has taken care of that, but because if you’ll just zoom out and let Him show you the bigger picture, you’ll realize the beauty of being Kingdom minded. Seeking first His Kingdom for most of us will mean ceasing to seek for our own and asking Him to lift our eyes to something much bigger, much higher, much closer to His heart.
ed r. its nice to see Charlie just say screw the match-ups and let your best arm out of the pen just go out there and pitch knowing hes going to be on the mound in the next inning.
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Lauren,
I agree with the ladies above- you will find His peace again! Praying for that to happen Sister!
Maybe, but of course I don’t know for sure, your Dad just resents the whole idea of ANY help! They sound like independent folks, who have been there for each other and the thought of any suggestions by their children (gasp!) is being misconstrued by him? Just a thought as I dealt with my 96yr old, very independent grandmother. As gentle and loving as possible, yet still any suggestions were taken as criticism…and a comment of “I’ve managed all these years, I know what’s best for us!”
Eventually she relented, but it had to seem as it was her request, not our trying to tell her what to do, no matter how loving it was intended. You may have now planted that seed and he will come to you , in his time and way! I pray that it is so. Our parents come from a fiercely independent generation, and take great pride in that independence! I’ll be praying for your family Lauren!
I really need God’s bigger picture right now. I’m feeling really low tonight. Felt God speak clearly to me earlier, guiding me to offer specific help to my dad with my mom’s care; only to have my dad completely ignore it. Like a door slammed shut in my face. I felt such a peace come over me when I extended what I felt to be God’s love to my dad. I just knew I was doing His will but it fell on deaf ears. You would think I’d be used to this sort of thing by now but tonight my heart aches & my head is so confused. Please Lord, help me to see Your picture through Your eyes.
Lauren I am so sorry. That hurts, especially when we feel like we have done what we felt like was the Lord's will. You know what? It WAS the Lord's will! Any time you show kindness and the love of God it is definitely in His will! If they don't receive it they are the ones that lose. You have done what you were supposed to do. Yet it still hurts especially when it is family. Rest in the comfort that you were obedient and you extended a healing hand of mercy. They have to want the help. Praying for you tonight. Remember that peace you said came over you. It is still there. HE never left you. God bless you friend. ♥
Lauren, I feel for you and pray that your spirits are lifted. I don’t know the specifics of your situation, nor do I need to. Your post stated that felt you felt guided to offer specific help to your Dad with your Mom’s care and your Dad completely ignored it.
My Mom & Dad have been married 65 years! Dad will be 97 in July and Mom is 86; they have been married 65 years! Amazingly, they are still living in the house I grew up in. Dad is sharp as a tack, but about 4 yrs. ago, Mom developed dementia….in the past 6 mos. it has begun to progress much quicker. it’s heart breaking.
Myself, and 3 of my 7 siblings are stepping up to do as much as possible while Mom is still home. We also have had some negative responses from my Dad, but honestly, I don’t think it’s because he doesn’t appreciate our help or isn’t grateful. I think it is out of frustration due to their situation. I think a lot of times loved ones will strike out at those they love because they feel safe in doing it…misdirected anger. Not that it is right, but maybe part of trying to cope with the situation. It has to be so hard to care for a spouse; especially for a man because they like ton”fix” situations and not all situations are fixable.
God will bless you for extending that love and grace to your Dad and I know The Lord is looking down and smiling as you were acting on HIS guidance. You were faithfully honoring your Dad and your Mom. The peace you felt was from The Lord and I believe you will continue to feel his peace through this difficult situation.
Hang in their sister friend, I will keep you in my prayers.
Praying for you. Heartbreaking when offering to help, following the will of God, only to slam into a wall. The problem often occurs when one person moves at the Lord's leading and the other person chooses not to listen to The Lord….mind you I don't have a clue if this is true in your situation. What to do? Keep the offer open and pray for your Dad….again, praying for you.
Thank you all. Your words have given me so much comfort. God bless you.
Love it. Great perspective. Thank you.