A Little Sparrow and a Profound Truth
Fear. It is a funny thing. Not in a haha sort of way, but in a weird sort of way. Fear manifests itself in worry, anxiety, dread. It makes us run and flee or completely freeze in place unable to move forward. If you have read my book or any of my blog posts, you know that I have struggled with worry, an under-the-surface anxiety, most of my adult life.
So, when God shows me a verse three days in a row, I pay attention because there is something He desires to teach me about my nemesis. “What is the price of five sparrows – two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows (Luke 12:6-7 NLT).”
The phrase “don’t be afraid” comes from the Greek word, phobeó. Sound familiar? As you might guess, it means “to fear, be afraid; absolutely to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm.” Interestingly enough, it also means “to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience.”
In Luke 12, Jesus was teaching His disciples that they had a choice. They could choose to fear other things or to choose to fear (reverence, obey) God. Worry and worship can not co-exist.
Jesus used this same word when He spoke to his disciples later. In serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the winds and waves, Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here (Mark 6:50 NLT).”
As my mind runs down a path of fear and worry, as I am striving and struggling against the wind and waves, I have a choice to make. I can continue to mull all the possible outcomes, attempt to maintain control of every situation, I can fret, fear, flee and freeze; or I can believe God’s promises for my life. Jesus said that a sparrow is worth very little, yet God does not forget a SINGLE one of them; and He said that I am far more valuable than many, many sparrows. So are you, my friend.
What’s so great about this verse is that I am a bird lover. I notice the birds just about everywhere I go. As I opened my car door yesterday, little sparrows flew from a rose bush in my aunt’s yard. I smiled. God can use the simple things to teach and remind us of profound truth. As a little sparrow lands in your path this week, remember that you are valuable. You are loved. You are worth more than you can imagine to God. And, there is no need to be afraid because He is here. Immanuel, God with us.
If you struggle with worry/anxiety, check out my book HERE and my journal HERE. I pray it encourages you to build a greater foundation of trust in God and His promises.
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