Like a Bird : Releasing Worry

When I was in college, I took a class called ornithology, also known as the study of birds. Yea I know, why in the world would I take a class like that?

Lol, I only took it because I needed an ecology class to graduate but I actually enjoyed that class. I learned so many things about birds, from their migration to even their feathers. I even had to memorize what they sounded like. Exams involved the professor playing a bird song and the students having to figure out the kind of bird singing. We would also go out into the field, and the professor would point to a bird and we’d have to use our binoculars or gently get close to the bird to answer the question. Imagine trying to walk up to a bird, and the bird just flies away. You were on your own, lol. It was an interesting class.

At this point, you are probably wondering where this is going but keep reading, there’s a message in here. Though I do not remember every bird fact that I learned in that class, I do remember a general realization that I made in that class. Birds, no matter which type, operate in boldness and faith. Depending on the part of the world and season, birds migrate in boldness and faith to a place that is suitable for them. They also wake up early in the morning with songs coming from their beaks, with no worry about the food they were going to eat.

There are so many scriptures in the Bible that make reference to birds. I didn’t even realize how much Jesus spoke about birds until after I started researching more about it. From the eagle to the sparrow, the raven to the dove, God relates them to us somehow. I want to remind you of these two scriptures.

Matthew 6:26-27 (The Passion Translation)

²⁶ “Look at all the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they? ²⁷ So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life?…”

Matthew 10:29-31 (The Passion Translation)

²⁹ “…You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows? ^30–31 So don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life…”

In both scriptures, Jesus advises the multitudes and His disciples about not worrying. He also reminded them about their value to Him (Read Mat. 6 and Mat. 10 for yourselves to get a better understanding). I realize that it is still pandemic season and there is much to be worried and fearful of. I may not fully understand what is going on in your life right now but I know One who does.

To be honest, I have had my fair share of worries in the last couple of years. For instance, I worried that I would not get into medical school (I am going into my fourth year of med school). Here and there, I worry about things such as driving to a new place, not doing well enough on exams, the future, giving a talk/praying in front of large crowds… you name it. I get it. Worry happens to us all.

This is How I’ve Learned to Release My Worry

1. Begin praying in tongues in the moment. This goes without saying. Prayer truly shifts the atmosphere and changes situations. And it works!
2. Speak life or encouragement over the situation. When I begin to worry, I remind myself of what God says about me. I say things like “the devil is a liar” or “God is too faithful to leave me.” When people around me express their worry, I make sure to mention a word of encouragement to them. Sometimes, I even surprise myself by the words of life that come out of my mouth because it ministers to me.
3. Talk to someone about my worry. This one has been a hard one for me beacuse I don’t like telling people my business, lol. But the more I share, I realize that the person I am sharing with is either going through or has gone through what I am going through and is able to give me some advice. I have been opening up more to friends, family, and professional counselors and therapists and it has been helping. Side bar: Ask for the spirit of discernment to know who to speak to please because not everyone may be able to help you.

When my worry resolves, I often smile and ask myself why I was worrying in the first place. God tells us that there is no point in worrying. As in, it won’t add anything to you and you will just be wasting time and energy worrying. If He takes care of the birds in the sky who just get up, fly and eat, how much more you who puts in the work to pray, sow, do kingdom business and love Him?

Next time you begin to worry, look at the birds in the sky. That is EVIDENCE enough that God will come through for you. Be like a bird and operate in faith. Wake up knowing that God has already taken care of the day ahead of you. If He can do it for a European starling, mourning dove, and a house sparrow, then He will surely sustain you in this season.

My friend, I just want to remind you that you are so valuable. So don’t give up. God is making a way for you. If He said something, take His word for it, then keep flying…like a bird.

Song reminder: Soul’s Anthem (It Is Well) – Tori Kelly

https://youtu.be/8GZ7KzExK1I