Consider How the Birds Above
Consider how the birds above
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran teaching on Providence and the Christian freedom from anxiety that flows from faith in God's fatherly care. It reflects the Third Article of the Small Catechism regarding God's sustenance and the confidence believers may have in divine providence.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn directly expounds Matthew 6:25-34 where Christ teaches disciples not to worry about food and clothing. It was published in the hymnals and collections of the Lutheran Church, becoming a standard trust hymn in American Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 746
- Lutheran Service Book — 736
- Voices Together — 25
Bulletin Note
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn embodies the Lutheran conviction that faith in divine providence liberates believers from material worry—a freedom grounded in baptism and the Word, not in circumstance.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of our idolatrous anxiety into the Gospel's proclamation of Christ as the basis of our unshakeable trust in the Father's sustaining hand.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From present pastoral comfort (stanzas 1-2) through eschatological assurance (stanza 3) to realized victory and abundance (stanza 4); a progression from daily provision to ultimate triumph
Themes
Trust in God's providence Freedom from anxiety God's care and sustenance Faith over material concern