Birds

Anna Stodolak this time not with a song, but a book. Anna always has something great to say. When Anna speaks we listen…

I was reading an Amish Romance Novel this past week and two of the characters were 'Birders'. When they saw a bird they wrote in their journals about its scientific name, its description, location where they saw it, its characteristics and finally, its symbolism in the Bible. Now I knew that in the Bible the Dove was mentioned when it returned with an olive leaf to Noah. Also the Sparrow when God cares for even the smallest of creatures. What I didn't know is that quite a few other birds are mentioned some of which are Owls, Chickens, Cormorants, Bitterns, Cranes, Ostriches, Eagles, Partridges, Peacocks, Ravens, Pigeons, Quail, Sparrows, Barn Swallows, and the Vulture.

Birds are first mentioned in the Bible during creation, "And God said, 'Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.' So God created every winged bird according to its kind"  Genesis 1:20-21

The Bible speaks about birds as living reminders of God’s care, His creativity, His provision, and His spiritual lessons. Across Scripture, from Genesis to the teachings of Jesus, birds appear as symbols of trust, freedom, protection, and divine attentiveness.   

Birds show us, over and over, that God takes care of His creation without stress or struggle.

God’s care for birds - Jesus points to them as an example of trust. They don’t plant or harvest or store food, yet God makes sure they have what they need.

Ravens as a reminder - Ravens don’t have barns or pantries, but God still feeds them. It’s His way of showing that He pays attention even to creatures people usually overlook.

Sparrows and value - And sparrows, tiny and inexpensive as they are, never fall to the ground without God noticing. It’s a picture of how closely He watches over everything He’s made.

Eagles are a picture of fresh strength and God given power.

Rising like eagles - When we put our hope in God, He gives us the strength to keep going and the ability to rise above the hard things we face, just like an eagle lifting off the ground and soaring high.

God carrying His people - The image of God carrying His people like an eagle shows how He protects us, guides us, and cares for us with a steady, gentle hand.

Birds show up at important moments in the Bible.

The dove after the flood - When the dove returned with an olive leaf, it was a simple, clear sign that peace was returning and a new beginning had started.

The Spirit like a dove - When God’s Spirit came down “like a dove,” it painted a picture of purity, calm, and God’s gentle presence.

Scripture often uses birds to teach simple but powerful lessons.

Birds teaching us - Job reminds us that creation itself can show us things about who God is, if we’re willing to pay attention.

Leaving the nest - A bird wandering away from its nest is a picture of someone drifting from where they’re meant to be.

Migration and obedience - Birds know exactly when to move and where to go, following the seasons God built into them. Meanwhile, people often ignore the guidance God gives, even though it’s just as clear.

Across the Bible, birds are used to show different parts of God’s character. They remind us that He provides for us, gives strength when we’re worn out, brings peace, teaches us through creation, and protects us with care. In all these ways, birds point to a God who sees us, supports us, and looks after everything He’s made, especially His people.

Make it a Wondrous Wednesday! God is good…