As I hung my painted gourd turned birdhouse out on the limb of my apple tree, I wasn’t really expecting much. I just thought it looked pretty and I wanted to display it in my yard, adding a touch of color to the lush greenery surrounding my home. The vibrant hues of red and green painted flowers danced in the sunlight, creating a lovely contrast against the tree’s brown bark. As I looked admirably at my gourd converted into a birdhouse, I wondered if it would catch the attention of a passersby, perhaps even sparking joy and curiosity among the neighborhood birds. It was a simple act, yet it felt like a celebration of the season, inviting the beauty of spring into my outdoor space.
A few days had passed since I assigned my gourd birdhouse to its feathered tenants, and I spotted a tiny bird peeking into it like she was auditioning for “Birdhouse Hunters.” She and her partner were flying about, conducting what looked like an intense neighborhood watch over the tree. Much to my amazement, she took to hauling small twigs and straw, embarking on what seemed to be a DIY nest-building marathon. I couldn’t just sit back and watch; so I decided to focus on my inner bird assistant by gathering some dried-up straw and twigs, thoughtfully arranging them at the base of the tree. Who knew helping a bird with her home would make me feel like I was on a bird improvement show?
I thought it would be a great idea to jazz up the water trough next to the shiny new birdhouse by planting an array of colorful flowers. Little did I know, my feathered roommates were not amused; they flew off in a huff for a whole two days! There I was, a nervous wreck, convinced I’d been exiled from the avian community forever. But just when I was about to start an online support group for disgruntled birdwatchers, guess who strutted back in? That’s right, my diva of a bird returned, probably just in time for a photo op with the flowers! Phew, that was close.
As I observed my new roommates, it hit me like a ton of bricks—they weren’t worried about what could go wrong. I mean, this is a tiny bird, maybe a Tufted Titmouse, and she has all the food, shelter, and water she will ever need. She flits about with an infectious joy, her feathers catching the sunlight in a delightful display of colors, completely unaware of the potential dangers that lurk beyond her little paradise. She doesn’t know what her future looks like, but at this moment, she is busy creating a bird paradise, tirelessly gathering twigs and soft materials to fashion her nest, bringing a sense of whimsy and wonder to our shared living space. It’s a reminder that sometimes, living in the moment and appreciating the simple pleasures that God has created, like the warmth of the sun or the rustle of leaves, can create an enchanting reality in which worries simply fade away.
Be Anxious For Nothing
My little, feathered friends reminded me of something. Matthew 6:25-26 AMP says:
“Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater {in quality} than food, and the body {far above and more excellent} than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?”
We are worth so much more to God than the birds of the air. Jesus understood how burdensome and destructive worrying could be in our lives, illuminating this truth through His teachings and parables. It can steal our lives and take our joy right out from under us, creating a cycle of anxiety that leads us further away from the peace that faith can bring. Worry is nothing but tormenting thoughts swirling over and over in our minds, leading us down a path of despair and doubt. Instead of allowing these negative thoughts to take root, we are encouraged to trust in God’s provision and care, acknowledging that He has a plan for our lives that is filled with hope and promise. By releasing our worries, we can open ourselves to the blessings and guidance that come from God.
What Is Worry?
Mirriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines worry as mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated. To feel or experience concern or anxiety.
Worry is trying to figure out tomorrow while living in today, often leading us to miss the beauty of the present moment. Our minds and bodies were never created to carry this stress, yet we find ourselves weighed down by the burden of uncertainty. The constant racing thoughts can consume our energy, leaving us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. And yet, sometimes, it is really hard not to worry. Living with PTSD from my car accident, I can attest that worry and anxiety are debilitating, often shadowing our realities. It requires the loving hand of God and patience of not only ourselves, but of others, to confront these challenges. Some days feel nearly impossible to overcome the relentless grip of fear that holds us back from truly enjoying our lives. But there is hope.
Bible Verses to Overcome Worry
The Bible tells us that we can overcome worry through prayer and trusting in God’s promises. By focusing on key Bible verses, we can begin to cast our cares onto God and learn to obtain His peace. Memorizing Bible verses can help us take our thoughts captive and begin to renew our minds. Here are some of my favorite that really help and minister to me:
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalms 55:22
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“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.”
Psalms 118:5-6
“Out of my distress, I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Conclusion
My little, feathery tenants have taught me a lot these past few days. They aren’t perched on a branch wringing their little feather wings, wondering what to do or what can go wrong. Instead, they do all they know to do today, believing everything is going to work out for their good. Their simple trust in the present teaches me the value of living in the moment, free from the burdens of anxiety about tomorrow. They are living and enjoying today, singing their sweet melodies and reminding me that joy isn’t something that is based off of circumstances, but off of the inner knowledge that God has everything under control.
With the help of God, we can find peace and joy again for our weary, worn out souls. Trust in His promises and believe that He is going to work everything out for your good. God is more than able to bring you through your season of fear, anxiety and worry. He is not done with you and is still writing your story. Throw the weight of your cares on Him today so you can begin to experience joy and peace once again.
Find Joy In Today 
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