Consider the Birds

Before Paul told the Philippians not to be anxious about anything, Jesus had said something very like it on a hillside in Galilee. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Then he pointed at the birds. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and the heavenly Father feeds them. He pointed at the wildflowers, dressed better than Solomon, though they are here today and gone tomorrow.

The argument moves from the lesser to the greater. If God feeds birds and clothes grass, will he not much more care for you? Jesus is not sentimental about creation. He is using it as evidence. The world is full of creatures that are provided for without anxiety, and the Father who provides for them knows what his children need.

Then Jesus gives a redirection, just as Paul will: seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and these things will be given to you as well. Anxiety is not cured by trying not to worry. It is displaced by wanting something else more.

The lesson from Jesus is that worry is a form of unbelief about the Father's character, and the remedy is to look. Look at the birds. Look at the flowers. Then look at him.