How Busy Is Too Busy?

Julia Ward Howe once asked a senator to help a wounded soldier who needed medical attention for a battle-related injury.

Came a quick reply, “I’ve become so busy with my responsibilities as a senator that I can’t concern myself with any one individual’s problem.”

“That’s remarkable,” she replied. “Even God hasn’t achieved that level of importance yet.”

On one occasion Jesus was offering a word of encouragement to His disciples. They were going into unknown territory to do things they had never done before. Naturally, they were afraid. To calm their fears, expand their faith, and build their trust in God, He said, “Not one sparrow can fall to the ground without Your Father knowing it.” God’s concern includes everything and everyone, anything and anyone.

We often interpret the word “fall” as if the bird was “falling to the ground in death.” But the word “fall” in this verse refers to a bird that has been soaring in flight, lands for a moment or two, then hops around in a field, and takes off again. Jesus was teaching His disciples that every time a small sparrow flies from one place to another, God is aware of each stop and every little “hop” that each bird takes in its journey.

Whenever we feel insignificant or unimportant, we need to remind ourselves that our God watches every hop of every little bird.

Prayer: Lord, our world is so huge that we often lose ourselves in its vastness. But, if You care for little sparrows, You must certainly care for us. Thanks! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: Matthew 10:28-31 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.