Carefree in the Care of God

Consider the Birds

He squeals in delight and I can’t help but chuckle. His 5 year-old arms, spread wide, wave wildly as he tests how fast and far his legs can take him.

I watch long and can’t help but feel even his play is an act of worship. For he holds nothing back and makes reckless abandon look easy. What freedom…

The sparrows’ chorus catches my attention and I tell my blue-eyed boy they are encouraging him along. He stops his own flight, looks up towards the branches of the cottonwood and exclaims plainly: “Mom, the birds always sing.” And while skipping off, he joins in…

All day, I carried that thought around with me. Later, I read this:

He continued this subject with His disciples. “Don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.
Luke 12:22-24 The Message

I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve read this passage in numerous translations. Still, the last portion stopped me in my tracks, as if I was reading it for the first time.

The ravens, free and unfettered…carefree in the care of God.

Friends, I think I’m finally getting it.

Thank you, birds, for being the prime example of this.

Barbara Brown Taylor once wrote: “I know plenty of people who find God most reliably in books, in buildings, and even in other people. I have found God in all those places, too, but the most reliable meeting place for me has always been creation.”

And I tend to agree. For I can see how planting ourselves in God’s creation makes it easier to experience Him. There, we’re not confined by walls, a small door, looking through windows. I watch these birds as they work hard, play hard, sing hard, care for each other relentlessly and I see it…carefree living — their lives are performed through glorious acts of worship.

I’ve never thought of it this way before, but it makes sense to me now: We can be carefree because we are in the care of God.

There are many names the Bible describes God as. And when you compile even a few of them together, you begin to see. He’s our provider, our shelter, our healer, our comfort, our friend. And my goodness does He ever care for you. In every way imaginable.

Friends, that thing weighing you down. The worry that is nagging you relentlessly. That diagnosis, prognosis, or whatever ‘nosis has got you wrapped up — spread those arms wide and give it to Him. Run wildly to His arms. Squeal with carefree delight as you look up and realize — there’s always a reason to sing.

We have permission and I say we take Him up on it. Let’s choose today to live carefree in the wonderful care of God and join in on the grateful chorus.

How about it, friend? I’d love to hear how you plan on putting this passage into action. Do share in comments!

9 Responses to Carefree in the Care of God
  1. Jennifer
    August 27, 2013 | 11:01 am

    Nikki, I realize how often I let a small problem become what is the focus of my attention rather than the invitation to celebrate the truth–of beauty and joy and the wonder of His presence–this moment, this day. You set me free this morning, beautiful friend. Thank you.

    • Nikki
      August 28, 2013 | 9:58 am

      Oh, I do the same thing, Jennifer. Get wrapped up in the tiny threads of everyday issues. It is all about focus, isn’t it. Or maybe, it’s about seeking. Because if we do seek, He’ll make sure He’s found. {HUGS}

      Thank you for reading my heart!

  2. Deb
    August 27, 2013 | 1:17 pm

    Nikki, This is really a beautiful message. I can picture you beaming as you watch your little one run, and the glory of God’s creation. My dh is much better than I am at looking at sunsets and foliage. I’m more of an action lover so I marvel at the antics of critters. But we both love the care our Creator has taken to make a world which blesses us. The One who watches over the details of creation, watches over the details of our days. So awesome!!

    • Nikki
      August 28, 2013 | 9:59 am

      It’s so funny to me how we feel like we get wrapped up in the details, but that’s not at all true, is it. We get wrapped up in our own created issues, not His creative details. What a wonderful God we serve!

      Thank you for sharing with me, Deb!

  3. Debra
    August 27, 2013 | 1:35 pm

    Nikki, it’s been far too long since I just rested in my faith in God-at face value. Being carefree, living the abundant life here on earth He intended for all humankind. Your post and scripture choice was a fabulous reminder and encouragement to me. How I should be living my life.

    Honestly, I am always so amazed at how God hears our prayers, then answers them in unexpected ways. This very issue is something I have been talking to God about. Asking for what I know to do to sink in again. Find that lodging place in my heart. I let the cares of this life get to me way too often.

    He answered my prayer through your words here today. My coming here to visit was out of the norm.

    Blessings ~Debra

    • Nikki
      August 28, 2013 | 10:02 am

      What joy there is to be found in the unexpected, don’t you think, Debra? I like to think our God is full of sweet surprises for us…just waiting to be found. Prayed for you now — that you would find the lodging as you so beautifully put it. Let’s cast our cares in the sea of His grace together…

      So thankful God blessed me with you today, as a sweet surprise:)

  4. susie klein
    August 27, 2013 | 2:05 pm

    So good and full of so much truth! Thanks for this today!!
    Susie

    • Nikki
      August 28, 2013 | 10:03 am

      Oh, Susie, thank you so much for reading my heart and then blessing me with your words! {HUGS} Here’s to finding His truth today!

  5. Maureen
    October 5, 2016 | 11:15 am

    Hi! I just wanted you to know that I found this site while searching for the verse in The Message version: “carefree in the care of God.” It’s in Jason Gray’s song “The Sparrow,” and I knew I had heard it somewhere. Thank you for your encouragement! I need to see more joy; I just need to really see how my 4 year old granddaughter has so much of it ☺️