Seek the Lord while He may be found.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12: 6-7)

In Matthew’s gospel we read, “Therefore, take no thought,saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, wherewithal shall we be clothed (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:31-33.  In this passage, Jesus explains God’s attention to our needs. He asks that we consider the lilies of the field and the fowls of the air in our need of food and raiment.  

And in Luke, Jesus  tells us that “not one sparrow is forgotten” and “that the very hairs of our head are numbered.” These passages of scripture hold a convicting message on the power of  faith and the love of God.

All seasons bring spiritual analogies. Spring especially brings new life observations for us to consider. Flowers bloom, birds sing and build nests. All nature tells us of the bountiful message of God’s love.  Many of us enjoy watching the birds that come to the feeder in our backyards.  Praise God for reminding us that He created the world and all its beauty to reassure us of His detailed love and His provisions for us, the sheep of His pasture. 

These are principles that God wants us to consider. But, like the little foxes that steal the grapes, our natural tendency to worry and the challenges of daily living draw us away from Gods blessed assurance.  When we worry, we are seeking positive solutions to problems. God knows our need. Our interest prompts us to look for things that fit that interest. Our background forms the way we approach the world and what we seek. On so many occasions, we are driven by our own “needs and wants.” 

Prayer works better. So as we consider the fowls of the air and the lilies of the field, let’s remember Philippians 4:19  “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” May we own and trust this promise through faith.

And may we remember the words of the poet Frederick Lehman, who wrote:

Oh, love of God, how rich and Pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure

The saints’ and angels’ song

Prayer

Thank you God for your great and merciful love. May we reflect your grace in our lives and in what we seek. 

This devotion was written by Stephen Hankal and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.