January 24
God’s Care
in Every Circumstance
“Look at the birds of the air.
They don’t plant or gather crops.
They don’t put away crops in storerooms.
But your Father who is in heaven feeds them.
Aren’t you worth much more than they are?”
Matthew 6:26 (NIrV)
Tyrone sat on the edge of his bunk in the small, dimly lit prison cell. The air felt heavy, and so did his heart. He’d been here for nearly six months, and though he put on a brave face, loneliness was his constant companion.
He glanced at the letter from his mother lying on the bed. She had written about how the family was struggling to make ends meet. Tyrone felt a wave of guilt. “I should be out there helping, not stuck in here,” he muttered under his breath.
The cafeteria’s clanging noise interrupted his thoughts, but Tyrone didn’t feel like eating. Instead, he reached for the worn Bible a chaplain had given him weeks ago. Though he’d flipped through its pages before, nothing had stuck with him—until now.
As he opened it randomly, his eyes landed on Matthew 6:26:
“Look at the birds of the air. They don’t plant or gather crops. They don’t put away crops in storerooms. But your Father who is in heaven feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than they are?”
The words stopped him cold. Tyrone thought about the tiny birds he’d seen fluttering outside the prison yard during his daily exercise. He hadn’t paid much attention to them before, but now he realized something: they were always chirping, always moving, and never seemed worried about where their next meal came from.
For the first time in a long time, Tyrone felt a glimmer of hope. “If God takes care of the birds,” he thought, “then maybe He’s taking care of me too, even in here.”
That night, Tyrone knelt beside his bed and prayed, “God, I’ve made mistakes, but I want to trust You. If You care for the birds, help me believe that You care for me and my family too.”
The next day, Tyrone received a surprise during visitation hours—his mother arrived with good news. She had found a new part-time job, and their church community was helping with groceries. Tyrone couldn’t stop smiling as he shared with her the verse that had touched his heart.
From that day forward, Tyrone made a habit of noticing the little things—like the birds outside—and reminding himself of God’s care. Slowly but surely, his faith grew stronger, even within the prison walls.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank You for reminding us of Your constant care and provision.
Just as You provide for the birds of the air, help us to trust that You see us and know our needs.
When we feel stuck or burdened, remind us that we are worth so much to You.
Thank You for Your love that never fails, no matter our circumstances.
May we find peace in trusting You day by day.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
