Encouragement for Today
Trusting God With Stray Birds and Life Itself – Encouragement for Today – July 24, 2026
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July 24, 2026
Trusting God With Stray Birds and Life ItselfKIA STEPHENS
Lee en español
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
“Kia, you just let a bird into the house!” my husband yelled
It was the morning of trash day, and I had a few cardboard boxes to add to our scheduled pickup sitting on the porch. Not long after I opened the door to get the boxes, I heard my husband shout
Immediately I turned to see little black feathers fluttering around my living room. Then I saw fresh bird poop on the kitchen floor, and I imagined it being dropped all throughout the house
In a panic, I consulted the internet. The first recommendation was to stay calm. It was too late for that. As soon as I realized the bird was in the house, I lost my cool internally, thinking about every possible what-if regarding this little black bird
In that moment, I needed to heed the advice the Apostle Paul offered the church in Philippi: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6)
Paul added this admonishment to the end of his letter to the Philippian church because he knew the hardships they were facing. In ancient Greece, individuals making a decision to follow Christ were simultaneously choosing not to worship the community’s pagan gods. This impacted the community, and Christians who abandoned pagan worship practices could experience severe social, financial, and legal consequences
As Paul himself sat in jail for his faith, he encouraged the church at Philippi to take no thought of the outcome of their decision to follow Christ. He was saying not to worry but instead make each earnest request known to God with a heart of gratitude
Paul’s words give all believers license to turn our anxious thoughts into grateful prayers to our heavenly Father. Instead of concerning ourselves with possible outcomes that have not happened and may not happen, we can choose to petition our God, who is intimately attentive to everything that worries us. We do this in faith, believing God can be trusted with the uncertain outcomes of our lives
Paul was referring to a difficult matter, but his words are true no matter the severity of the circumstance. Whether the trouble we’re facing involves a difficult marriage, a wayward child, financial challenges, or a painful loss of another kind, Paul’s encouragement remains the same. Pray about it, and allow God’s peace to stand guard at the entrance of your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Be anxious for nothing
This includes the rogue black birds. Eventually, choosing calm over anxiety, I followed Paul’s admonishment. I prayed about the bird’s necessary exit and took my kids to school. The little black bird eventually flew out of the house on his own
Heavenly Father, when I’m facing uncertainty in life, help me to trust You and to turn my anxious thoughts into grateful prayers. May I trust in Your tender care for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Anxious thoughts can be especially hard to keep in check when they involve your children. And the truth is, no matter how old your kids are, you’re never really done parenting. Whether you’re raising littles or in the season of loving on your grandkids, this recent Therapy & Theology podcast episode, How To Raise Healthy Kids, Not Just Happy Kids, featuring counselors Sissy Goff and David Thomas, will deeply encourage you. Start listening now!
ENGAGE
Join Kia on her YouTube channel as she shares more on the topic of “Trusting God With Stray Birds and Life Itself.” You can also connect with Kia on Instagram and learn more about her book, Overcoming Father Wounds, on her website
FOR DEEPER STUDY
1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (NIV)
How might God be inviting you to turn your anxious thoughts into grateful prayers?
How have you experienced God’s peace in your past circumstances? How might this encourage you right now?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments
© 2026 by Kia Stephens. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 MinistriesP.O. Box 3189 Matthews, NC 28106www.Proverbs31.org
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