God knew his children would sometimes struggle with worry and fear. Perhaps that’s why Jesus spoke often on these subjects.
When Jesus taught us to not be anxious about anything in Matthew 6:25, he told us to do two things. First, he said to look at the birds – to see how he meets their every need. He said, “They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26).
Next, Jesus told us to “see how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin” (6:28). If they are clothed in magnificent splendor, will he not do more for us humans?
Succinctly put, to overcome anxiety, Jesus invited his followers to consider creation. To look at birds and flowers and see how they are cared for. Then understand how much more he loves us, his beloved children who are created in his very image!
Jesus knew that the battle against anxiety begins in our minds. And he made it clear that anxiety demonstrates a divided mind. A wavering faith.
That’s why Jesus encouraged his followers to think about birds and lilies. God cares for them. Wouldn’t he care much more for his very children who are created in his image? To not comprehend this truth is to possess “little faith” (Matthew 6:30).
Consider creation. The glory, splendor, majesty, beauty, and design surrounding us on earth. Consider a peacock’s feathers. A chrysanthemum's petals. A starfish’s spine. The complexity of the human eye. The photosynthesis of the plants. The rhythm of the waves.
The God who created everything is the same God who is your Daddy in heaven. The One who designed all creation greatly cares for you.
Possess great faith. Know that the same God who cares for birds and lilies with perfect love also cares even more for you, the crown of his universe.
Consider creation. Have eyes to see. Know his eyes are on you.
And feel your anxiety flee.