Worth More Than a Sparrow

Small Bird at Masada

We all have worries.  While most of us keep them under control, there are times when they begin to overwhelm us.  Anxiety over money, relationships, or job security are part of modern life.

Such worries are not new to our age, however.  There is an old rabbinic story about a man with financial troubles.  It seems that he spent the night tossing and turning, and occasionally letting out a moan.  This at first distressed his wife, then it began to annoy her.  “Abe, what’s the problem?” she inquired.  “I don’t have the money for the rent, and it’s due tomorrow,” he replied.  She slowly go up out of bed, and paced the room for a moment thinking.  Then she went to the window and threw open the shutters, shouting out – “We don’t have money the pay the rent tomorrow!” She then got back into bed and said “Now its the landlord’s worry.  Go to sleep.”

Like the couple in our story, there are many things in this life we cannot change.  This does not mean we are without hope however. Jesus made just this point in Matthew 6:

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?²⁷ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ^{28 . . .  . 31} Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ . . . , your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (ESV).”

Also remember, that you are not alone here below.  This is not only true of your struggles – others do understand them.  But all the more, there is love and comfort to be found among your fellow men (and women) as well.

I pray you find the comfort you need today.  ^{” . . .} don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (MT 10:31 NIV).”

Padre