Is life for the birds? It is an old saying, “this is for the birds” which is not complimentary or encouraging, and is usually said in frustration. Does life get frustrating? Yes! Does discouragement come? Yes! But is it “for the birds?” What does that even mean?
AI—says this:
The phrase “for the birds” is an idiom that means something is worthless, unimportant, or silly. It’s often used to describe something that’s not worth taking seriously or paying attention to.
According to that definition, life is definitely NOT for the birds! Life is precious at every age no matter how strewn the path may be with difficulties. Psalm 139 says “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (I chose the KJV because I love the last phrase. Doesn’t it sound ‘southern?’ [No offense to my southerner readers!])
So, why all the bird talk? It’s Saturday morning, I’m in my rocker ready to do my devotions, and the picture on this post is what I see out my sliding glass door. It’s breakfast time at the feeders! I love to see them swoop in and feast! I am not sure what just flew over, probably a hawk, but they all took off in a flash; however, they slowly have come back one by one.
Birds. What can we learn from them? Well, the Bible gives us a few thoughts:
- Birds flee and escape snares (Psalm 11:1; Psalm 124:7)
- It is their natural instinct to flee. Sadly, we do not have this trigger but we do have God’s Spirit! When God waves a red flag, don’t ignore it!
- Birds are hunted (Lamentations 3:520)
- If you don’t know or have forgotten, dear born-again believer, you have a target on your back, and the more you try to do what is right, the bigger the target becomes! Like Peter, Satan wants to “sift [you] as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to [Me,] strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22: 31,32). Satan may attack, but we have our Champion who not only prays for us but protects us as well! AND, our “faith” victories are what strengthens others! It’s a challenge but also a joy to be able to encourage fellow travelers.
- They tremble (Hosea 11:11)
- Now, I’ve never seen a bird tremble, but it must be true! Trembling is a natural reaction often caused by fear which triggers the adrenline to kick into high gear and overflood our nervous system. It happens. But when it does, think about your all-powerful heavenly Father who has everything under control, even those things we do not understand! Slowly breathe in and out. Focus on your Tower! Look how high those wall are! And don’t forget to pray. Satan hates that! He’ll fly the coop when we start to pray! AMEN!
- We have been made wiser than birds by God, (Job 38:11) so maybe we should act like it?!
- God knows them ALL! (Psalm79:2)
- How precious! And the same is true for us. We were made in the very image of God! “El Roi,” is the name for God which means “The God who sees me.” Aren’t you glad? It was first said by Haggar. She had just been thrown out by Abraham. Her water was gone. He son was dying. She was in the middle of a desert! And the Angel of the LORD comes to her. Will He come to you in your hour of need? Oh yes!!!
- Birds sing (Psalm 104:12)
- My husband whistles. He’s been under a lot of pressure lately and I don’t hear him whistling much. I miss that. 😦 Once again, it is a bird’s natural instinct to sing, especially in the morning. Right now, in these winter months, I get hungry for spring and the bird’s songs. Oh, how they cheer us in the morning! Can you sing, even in the darkness? It can lift you out of the duldrums! It may even cheer a fellow struggler in your home or workplace!
- Birds make nests
- Oh joy! My Father is preparing more than a nest for me in glory!
- They defend their young. (Isaiah 31:5)
- Have you ever seen two little birds chasing a large bird? It’s quite a sight! Lord, give us that camraderie to fight our enemy and not each other!
- They devour (Matt. 12:4)
- Oh, do they, especially this time of year! (Helpful hint: someone once told me to be sure to keep feeding the birds in the spring. So often, we stop when the flowers and trees start to bud, but this can be one of the most difficult times for birds because there’s still nothing for them to eat.)
- Lord, help us to devour your Word!
- They do not sow or reap but are cared for by God. (Matt. 6:26)
- This is my favorite verse about birds! Jehovah Jirah–God will provide! This statement was made by Abraham when he was about to sacrifice his son, and the angel showed him a ram caught in the thicket nearby. What do you need? Can you trust God to provide for you? Can you trust God when He seems long in providing for you? I’ve been reading Job. It’s always a stark reminder of what a wimp I am! When I consider all of Job’s trials, I can’t even imagine it! And yet, he stayed faithful to God, never turning his fist or heart upward against his heavenly Father. What a challenge!
So, there you have it. Boil it all down to one word: TRUST! Can I trust my God like the birds? They do it naturally. We must do it by choice!
What are you facing? I’ve started using the prayer app “Prayer Mate,” and I’ve made a new catagory for YOU, my readers. Do you have something that I could pray for? The past few months, God has shown me the power of prayer! Have you had a victory? Would you share it? I’d love to hear from YOU!
Beyond Common Sense 