Fluffy Sparrow

Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Jesus Friend Of Little Children"1 (Lyrics)

Matthew 10:29-31 – Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (NKJV)

Matthew 6:25-26 – Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (NKJV)

Have you ever noticed a sparrow, or other bird, fluffing its feathers in a sprinkler or during a light rain? Birds spend a lot of time preening, but the amount of time and effort that they put into bathing and dusting indicates how critical the maintenance of their marvellous and intricate feathers must be. Keeping them functional requires constant care.

Just as the sparrow maintains its feathers, we need to spend time maintaining and building our spiritual life in relationship to Jesus Christ. Part of that building process, Jesus tells us, is learning how to trust God's loving care for us. It doesn't matter whether it is an eagle or a sparrow, God's Word says that as much as He cares for the birds of the air, He values us even more than them. Yes, life in our world requires that we work to provide for our family's survival needs, but we must always remember that it is our heavenly Father Who grants our success through employment and other resources.

That makes me wonder why, if God values believers more than birds that can sing, splash around, and be content, then why do we worry? Do we turn to Him for guidance, or do we become overwhelmed when He allows world systems to fall into chaos within our collective governments' leadership, our economic systems, changes in the environment, surges of migration that overload countries' welfare systems, and atmospheric changes causing famine, flood, pestilence and disease, as they have since the beginning of time?

According to His Word, let's believe that our heavenly Father will provide for us, even through times of tumultuousness. Let's believe that His Word can help us to see clearly, can strengthen us, and can give us courage to get through the times of trouble. Let's seek His face, believing what He promises us that He will do.

As the waterfall of God's Word washes us and we accept His will, we can be like the fluffy, contented sparrow washing and maintaining its feathers in a fresh rain. Could it be that we become doubtful because we become entangled with the world's view, goals, and purpose, instead of God's? It is so easy to be lured into submission to the world's ways, so let's find an area of our life where we are letting the world take control. Then, pray and ask for God's direction.

Prayer: Help us, dear Lord, to understand the differences between a worldview and Your view. Help us to trust and be content. We praise the name of Jesus for providing for us in all ways. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank you.


    Thanks for sharing, Karen.


    Lord, make me like a sparrow!


    Amen.
    (N.S. Canada)


    Excellent – so close to my heart and my prayers this morning. Thank you, Karen.


    For sharing your faith, hope, and experience today, Karen, I am grateful. Thank you.


    Thank you, Karen, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
    Blessings.


    Thanks for sharing.
    Exactly what I needed to hear today.
    Blessings Karen.


    Karen, thanks for this reminder from Jesus with the simple analogy from the carefree sparrows and how we can relax in God’s care.


    Thank you, Karen, for today’s devotional. Over and over I tell myself these days, “God is in control.” I pity those who do not believe that fact.


    Hello Karen
    Thank you for this devotional today. I really like the scriptures you used, and I have counted on them several times and without fail His word gives peace and comfort.
    God bless.


    Greetings Karen,
    Thank you for another of your very mindful devotionals. We certainly need be grateful for the constant love, care, and guidance our Jesus is ever ready to shower upon us. Blessings for your thoughtful writings.


    Good morning, Karen!
    What a comforting description of a bird preening its feathers! Very beautiful because I never thought about why the preening is so important!
    Have a lovely rest of your week, Karen!


    Hi Karen,
    Thank you for your Devotional entitled Fluffy Sparrow. It gave me hope today that God sees and cares for me and the image of the fluffy Sparrow to hold onto as I struggle with anxiety and depression.
    God’s Blessings on you and your writing.


    Hello Karen,
    I have a bird bath and during the warm months in Toronto all kinds of birds come and bath in it which is so wonderful to watch. The sparrows will also do a similar action in the sandbox which was for my sons when they were small. I have only seen sparrows in the sand box.
    I totally need encouragement like this devotional to keep me focused on God being in charge and to remember that God’s view is very different from mine. In Canada many churches are closing, and I work on believing that God wants his community to form in a different way so I don’t get worried. I ask God for guidance on what steps I can take to keep his Christian community alive and well.
    I love the title of this devotional and the song which was chosen to go with it. May you continue to be inspired by Jesus to inspire many others. May you feel God’s comfort and guidance.

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