Listen and Look

Last Friday I had one of those nights at work.  A lot of times they all feel like "one of those nights."  But this one was especially trying, tiring and overwhelming.  I finally just felt my mind stop.  Thinking, moving, doing....I had to just stop.  I said to my partner at work...I need a break  I just need to take a few minutes to breathe.  So I did. 

It was about close to nine o'clock when I stepped outside to sit on the steps leading to the truck area off of our loading dock where I work.  I sat down and took a couple of breaths and then I heard them.  A few birds had decided to sing their last songs of the night.  So sweetly, so beautifully they reminded me of the teaching we were in during our Sunday services.  Matthew 6:25-30  That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear.  Isn't life more than food and your body more than clothing?  Look at the birds.  They don't plant or harvest or store food in the barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  And why worry about your clothing?  Look a the lilies of the field and how they grow.  They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for the wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you.  Why do you have s little faith.  

Wow.  As I sat there listening to the bird song, I was reminded of this and felt the Lord's peace and Presence in that moment, soothing and comforting me as I sat resting.  Those few moments of basking in God's care was just what I needed to restore my spirit and my outlook.  Nothing had changed after I got back inside the building, but my heart did and it was lifted and at peace.  

Sometimes we need these physical reminders of God's care.  Jesus sat instructing His followers to look at the birds, the flowers....look around and then look up.  "He will certainly care for you."  

And to add to this message, the Lord brought Philippians 4:6-7 to me yesterday. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   

Thank You Lord, for Your ever present help and care.  Thank you for the little reminders you give us each day.   Teach us to breathe and look for them!  You have restored my soul.  Thank You.  So many things bombard us each day....but help us to remember that You are with us..  Nothing is a surprise to You.  Let us work for righteousness and Your Kingdom and let You handle the rest.  Increase our faith.  Thank You again for those sweet moments Friday night.  What a blessing.  In Jesus Name.  Amen. 

Take Matthew these verses and bring them with you into your day.