TO CHEW ON: "By them the birds of the heavens have their home;
They sing among the branches." Psalm 104:12
This nature psalm shows the creatures of earth benefiting from God's provision. Here the birds make their homes in trees that are nourished by streams God has sent. The image of birds singing among the branches gives us a sense joyful, carefree animals. It's a subtle comment about how adequate is God's care of them.
Bible writers mention birds many times. They are in the list of the species God created (Genesis 1:26) and over which man has dominion (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 8:8) — a dominion, however, that is to be humane (Deuteronomy 14:11).
Adam named them (Genesis 2:20). They came to Noah to be housed in the ark (Genesis 6:20) and they are part of God's covenant to never again destroy the earth with a flood (Genesis 9:10).
Solomon considered them worthy of study (1 Kings 4:33). Though they are creatures of instinct (Amos 3:5) the psalmist commands them to praise God, along with the rest of creation (Psalm 148:10). Ezekiel sees them joining other creatures that tremble at God's judgements (Ezekiel 38:20) and gathering for His victory celebration (Ezekiel 39:17).
It is Jesus' mention of them that brings us reassurances for life. He drew attention to their nest homes as a contrast to His homelessness (Matthew 8:20). And He spoke of how God's care for them proved that He cares as much and more for people. Look:
"What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? 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 him than a whole flock of sparrows" - Luke 12:6-7 NLT.
As we encounter birds today, let's remember how much God cares for us. He knows us to extent of the number of hairs on our heads! We can relax, joyful in His attention and secure in His care. As they "sing among the branches" of their world, let's do the same in ours.
PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for what we can learn about You through creation. Help me to give You my trust and praise today. Amen.
MORE: Bird Facts
Here are a few bird facts from a list of ten on the about.com site.
- There are 9,865 species of birds alive today according to the IUCN.
- Feathers are unique to birds.
- All birds reproduce by laying eggs.
- Birds do not have teeth.
- The largest bird is _______. Find the answer here (#10).
Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
