One morning, I looked out my window and saw a hawk standing right in the middle of our yard.

I had only seen a hawk once before, diving from the sky to snatch up its food before disappearing again. So seeing one simply standing there felt unusual.

Then another hawk flew into a nearby tree.

There were two.

They looked like a pair, and I realized they must have a nest somewhere close by.

I couldn’t stop watching them.

Lately, our backyard has felt a little like Snow White’s forest. Squirrels chase each other through the trees, birds fill the air from sunrise to sunset, and behind our home, the swampland has become a refuge for all kinds of wildlife. Over the years we’ve watched rabbits, deer, foxes, skunks, and even coyotes wander through.

There is life everywhere.

As I stood there watching those hawks, the words of Jesus from Matthew 6 came rushing back to my heart…

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then , saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:25-34

One of the things that amazes me most about watching these hawks, and really, any bird, is how unhurried they seem. I watch them land on the deck, fly from tree to tree, search for worms after the rain, or whatever food God has provided for them that day. They simply go about the life they were created to live.

Of course, we aren’t birds, and Jesus wasn’t suggesting that we become passive or irresponsible.

He pointed to the birds because they live under the care of their Creator. Their lives testify to the Father’s faithfulness. If He notices every sparrow, how much more does He notice His sons and daughters?

We are called to work, to be responsible, and to care for the needs God has entrusted to us. But He never intended for us to carry those responsibilities with anxious hearts. He wants us to know Him as our Provider and Caregiver because that is who He has always been.

From the very beginning, God has been providing for His creation. He gave us this beautiful world and continues to sustain it every single day.

Provision isn’t simply something God does.

It is part of who He is.

I’ve seen that quality reflected in my husband over the years. He is a provider through and through. There were seasons when he worked multiple jobs simply to make sure our family had what we needed.

As a mother, I’ve felt that same desire to care for my children, to make sure they had enough, felt safe, and knew they were loved.

Those desires reflect something about the heart of God.

The problem comes when we forget that He is our ultimate Provider.

When we don’t see our Heavenly Father this way, we begin carrying burdens He never asked us to carry. We strive in our own strength. We make decisions without seeking Him. We push ourselves beyond healthy limits. Sometimes we even sacrifice our physical and emotional health trying to become our own provider.

The Bible is clear that we aren’t called to laziness or idleness. We faithfully do what God has placed before us.

Then we trust Him to do what only He can do.

After a rainstorm, I love watching the birds pull worms from the softened ground. When I notice a simple wildflower growing unnoticed along the edge of the yard, I’m reminded that beauty doesn’t have to strive to exist.

I want to live that way.

Not carelessly, but confidently.

Confident that as I seek God’s kingdom first and allow Him to lead my days, He will faithfully provide exactly what I need for each season.

There have certainly been seasons when there was less.

When our boys were little, money was tight. We often visited the local thrift store because that was what fit our budget.

Looking back, I realize God didn’t always provide by giving us more money.

Sometimes He provided through contentment.

Sometimes through creativity.

Sometimes through a thrift store where my boys found treasures we still smile about today.

His provision looked different than I expected, but it was no less personal.

That’s how our Heavenly Father works.

His provision is personal because our relationship with Him is personal.

Years ago, fear and anxiety were constant companions in my life. During one particularly difficult season, I remember my husband gently saying, “I’ve got you. It’s going to be okay. We’ll get through this together.”

I wanted to believe him, but fear often spoke louder than truth.

How often does our Heavenly Father say the very same thing?

“I’ve got you.”

“You are not walking through this alone.”

“Keep seeking Me.”

When Jesus tells us not to worry, He isn’t dismissing our concerns.

He’s inviting us to trust the One who already knows every need before we even ask.

As I continue watching those hawks outside my window, I’m reminded that they don’t spend their days worrying about tomorrow. They simply live the life God created them to live, finding what He provides one day at a time.

Jesus isn’t asking us to ignore our responsibilities.

He’s inviting us to trust the One who carries them with us.

He is our Heavenly Father.

He knows what you need before you ask.

He sees the bills, the doctor’s appointments, the uncertainty, the unanswered prayers, and the fears that keep you awake at night.

He isn’t asking you to carry those burdens alone.

Today, whatever is making you anxious, bring it to Him.

Write it down if it helps. Pray over it. Surrender it again tomorrow if necessary.

Then seek Him first.

Not because doing so guarantees an easy life, but because it keeps your heart close to the One who has promised to care for you.

His provision is personal because His love is personal.

Where have you seen God provide for you in an unexpected way?

I’d love for you to share your story in the comments so we can encourage one another.