Why Birds Don't Need Prozac
Have you ever seen a sparrow having a panic attack?
Have you ever witnessed a robin lying on the couch of a psychiatrist while trying to explain why she thinks her anxiety can be traced back to her questionable childhood?
Have you ever spotted an owl wringing in claws in worry over where it would find its next meal?
Have you ever seen an advertisement for prozac for birds?
Have you ever watched a wren weeping because it had nothing new to wear to the party?
I’m guessing you answered “no” to all of those questions. Typically, when we see birds, they’re either singing, working, flying or some combination of the three. They appear happy and stress-free, but how is that possible? Don’t they worry about having enough food? The weather conditions? The sturdiness of their nest? The offspring? Predators? Wouldn’t it be wise for them to make plans, save up, or create strategies for survival? Nope. Unlike us, birds have found a better way to live, and that, I truly believe, is why they can still sing despite their circumstances.
Birds have learned to rely on God for what they need. They don’t have grocery stores, banks, or Walmarts. They live each day by faith that God will provide whatever they need, and you know what? I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen a dead bird. And I don’t know of any that died of starvation (not that it doesn’t happen). My point is, the birds depend on God because they have no other choice. And God doesn’t fail them. He provides time and time again.
“Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? ”
We, humans, are far superior to the birds in some ways. Unlike our winged companions, we do have grocery stores, banks, and Walmarts. We own houses and work jobs. God has given us intellect and skills to perform great tasks. Unfortunately, because we are bright and successful, we forget how to rely on God and instead rely on ourselves. The problem is, however, we’re not all-powerful or all-knowing. We don’t know how to solve all our issues, so instead, we worry. We stress. We pop pills and engage in meditation. Anything to relieve the stress and calm the anxiety. Anything, that is, except the one thing that will actually bring us peace—turning our problems completely over to God.
Let’s get real for a moment. I know I’m not the only one who brings my burdens to Jesus, then walks away formulating my next plan on how to “make things work.” Am I right? Why is it so difficult for us to let go? Why do we feel stress and anxiety are simply a part of life? They don’t have to be. We don’t have to live a life of panic and worry. We can trust God. We can take Him at His word and say, “If God cares for the birds, and I know He does, then according to the Scriptures, He cares even more for me. I don’t have anything to worry about. God will provide.”
I’m reminded of a story I read once about a little boy who was brought into an orphanage. Most of the time, the boy seemed to be adapting well to his new surroundings, but every night, the poor child would cry himself to sleep. It took a while, but finally, the workers discovered the reason for the boy’s tears. As he lay down each night, he was afraid he wouldn’t have anything to eat the next day. He feared starvation (something he was obviously familiar with). After discovering this, the workers faithfully placed a plate containing a sandwich and a piece of fruit on the boy’s nightstand each night. The child never cried himself to sleep again. Knowing food was within reach brought comfort to him and allowed him to be free of his anxiety.
The answer to our worry and anxiety is also within reach. Though it has no physical form, the promise of God is not any less real than the plate of food at the boy’s bedside. God will take care of us. He will provide food and clothing. He will give wisdom for making good choices. He will lead and guide us in the way we should go. He will protect us from our enemies. He has it all under control, and if we will cling to that truth, anxiety will have no choice but to flee, for it cannot coexist with faith.
Birds don’t need prozac because they trust in their Father to provide for them. According to Matthew 6, Jesus said we are much better than the birds, so let’s act like it. If they’re wise enough to take God at His Word, shouldn’t we be too? In this case, I guess being a birdbrain is a good thing!