The Message Translatin (MSG)

Do you know why there are so many "fear nots," "don't be afraids," and "don't worrys" in the Bible?

It's because God knows we're a forgetful bunch. We need to be reminded of these things every single day.

David, Moses, Joshua, Peter, Paul—the list goes on. They all needed the reminder to not be afraid. And Jesus added, "I'm with you, always."

But since we're a forgetful bunch and often set in our ways, God, in His kindness, thought of something else.

He arranged for nature to mimic all God's reminders (especially useful for people who don't like to read and therefore miss all these much-needed Biblical encouragements.😉)

We just have to take our daily shot of nature to be reminded that we don't have to be afraid, we don't have to worry, that God "carries us as a Father carries His child" (Deut 1:31).

He even made sure you don't have to take a plane to see it.

Live in Australia? He made kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and wombats just to remind you: He carries you as a Father (or Mother, for that matter).

Live in Africa or the Amazon? You've got your gorillas, lions, and tigers to remind you.

More of an (under)water person? God's got you covered: seahorse fathers carry eggs in a pouch until they hatch. Swan mothers tuck their babies under their wings.

You say you're allergic to cats or don't fancy a trip to the zoo? No worries; Jesus thought of you when He said, "Look at the birds."

Look out your window. I mean really LOOK. I guarantee you can't stay anxious or stressed out when you're intently looking at birds. Butterflies will do the job as well.

Or if you, like me, love chickens, look at the chickens. Ever watched chickens take a sand bath? Or drink water? Or preen themselves? Man, if that doesn't calm you down, then you better take a chill pill. ;)

All this to say that God thought of you when He made all this because He knows that sometimes it's hard to have a relationship with an invisible God. That's why He made Himself visible in nature.

So He could remind you when you feel stressed out or anxious: don't be afraid; I'm with you, always. ❤️