BIRD SONG

Psalm 104:10-12

He makes springs pour water into the ravines;

it flows between the mountains.

They give water to all the beasts of the field;

the wild donkeys quench their thirst.

The birds of the air nest by the waters;

they sing among the branches.

                You know that spring has arrived when the birds begin to sing. As I have been walking to my office in the mornings, the air has been filled with bird song. There is something uplifting in listening to the various songs of the birds as they serenade one another. It is a natural competition to out-sing the other birds, to be recognized, to stand out. Instead of trudging along, as I have throughout the winter, I experience a new spring in my step.

                Birds are one of those fascinating creatures who cohabitate with us. Although they keep a safe distance from us, yet they live out their lives in our presence. Many of us have placed bird feeders in our yards to entice our feathered friends to grace us with their activity, color, and song. If we are fortunate, we may be able to watch them build a nest, lay eggs, and produce a new generation.

                Birds are fragile, yet resilient. Many of them have the ability to withstand both harsh winters and scorching summers. Their movement in the air is magical. They soar and swoop seemingly effortlessly. They can change direction in a split second to avoid an unfortunate collision. I have often marveled at a flock of small birds flying amass is unison. They seem to make a single, coordinated organism as they create breathtaking patterns in the sky.

                Jesus pointed us to the birds of the air to remind us of just how much our Heavenly Father cares for us. There is so much of life that is out of our control, yet God constantly is watching over us, just as He does the birds of the air. In Jesus’ teaching about worry, He tells us to rest in the constant and intimate care of our Heavenly Father. 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? (Matthew 6:26) Jesus’ point is that, if God takes such care of the birds of the air, we can trust Him to take care of us as well. Of course, it doesn’t mean that we just sit around and expect God to feed us, but it does mean that as we do our part to meet our basic needs, God will provide.

                I think there is another way that the birds of the air direct our thoughts to God. It is through their song. The songs of the birds are a glorious concert of praise to God. The variety and intensity of their songs rivals any human choir. They are unconcerned about being in tune or in rhythm. Their song is a spontaneous response to their creator.

                The Psalms challenge us to lift our voices in joyful song to God.

Psalm 33:1-3

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;

it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Praise the Lord with the harp;

make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

Sing to him a new song;

play skillfully, and shout for joy.

                Singing and making music is one of the ways that we can actively praise God. Music has the ability to engage all of our senses, all of our emotions. It can transport us beyond mere words to a profound experience of standing in the very presence of God. Music is a gift that God has given to us that we, in turn, can give back to Him.

                Our world would be a much poorer place without the birds of the air. Their color, their activity, their song all add life and vitality to our world. Too often, we take their presence for granted. We pay little attention to them as they flit from tree to tree, or soar high above us, or form a line on the telephone lines. Yet our lives are enriched by their presence. They are a constant reminder that God is actively involved in our world. They are a reminder that the God who cares for the birds of the air cares for us as well.

  

Matthew 10:29-31

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.