The other day I was driving when I saw a ton of birds in the sky as they were migrating south for the winter. This site of birds was not your typical one or two birds flying in the sky. Seriously, the amount of birds I saw was about a mile long as I drove down the road. I was in awe! I have always been fascinated by the idea of so many birds flying together. How do they know where they are going? When do they know when to stop? Do the birds who are in the back of the pack ultimately get left behind, or do they eventually catch up? So many questions and so many unknowns.

The simple thought struck me, “If I (God) take care of these birds, how much more do I take care of you and those in this world?” I was overwhelmed by God’s love and protection for me and I was reminded of the song, His Eye is on the Sparrow. I used to play this song often on the piano as a young teen. The point of the song is that if a sparrow is so important to God, then I know He watches me. I looked up into the sky again and all I saw were birds. He cares for each one of them…making sure they have warmer climate for the winter. He literally watches over them! I’m really not very smart when I begin to wonder if God cares for me or what I’m going through!

Some things I noticed:

1. There were birds lagging behind the pack. When we get tired, we tend to lag behind, too. But the front of the pack suddenly stopped along the treeline for a break allowing others to catch up. So, when we feel overwhelmed and exhausted, we need to look for our nearest treeline and know it’s okay and necessary to take a break. God is providing you with much-needed rest.
2. There were birds leading the pack. These birds were feeling strong and felt they could lead and it was their turn to lead. God provides us the strength to lead others when they aren’t as strong. We need to know when to keep going and when to stop at the treeline for them to rest, as well as for those leading.
3. The birds weren’t even flying south! Nope. They were flying from east to west. Following God might not always make sense to us, but His plans are higher than our plans. He knows the ways the winds are blowing. Sometimes it might be too hard for us to fly directly south, so He gives us a bit of a detour, as we see it. God is providing our directions!
4. If I’m confused about how God protects and watches over these birds, why do I doubt myself and think I’m not a good Christian when I’m confused about how He’s working. I’m never going to figure Him out because He is God: literally, God!

So, yes, seriously, God is watching over you. Though there are times of exhaustion, strength, seemingly misdirection, and confusion, God is in control and He’s watching over you…just like the sparrows, the birds, and the whole world!

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net / MrWildLife

© 2017 Susan M. Sims

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