Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26 NIV

I can still vividly remember the first time I read those words–I was 13 years old, participating in a church Bible quizzing game, and I had been assigned Matthew 6. Matthew 6:26 was one of the key verses to memorize, and I read that verse over and over and over again, committing it to the deepest sections of my memory. This verse has always been with me, always struck me, always made me feel seen by the God of the universe.

If I’m honest, I haven’t always felt “seen” by those around me. I was never the popular one, never athletic, never considered pretty. I was the chubby side-kick type character, and I always felt exactly like that–a sweet “best friend” with a supporting role to the main act. That main act shifted and changed as I went through life–moving to various countries, growing up, maturing–but always felt like a presence I couldn’t escape. I’ve always considered myself to be the one left out–to the detriment of my confidence, and in some ways my calling.

And yet, through the voice that negs me–telling me I’m second class and not important–comes the truth. The truth that was buried deep into my heart 20 years ago; my life verse, and my constant reminder that I am more than enough.

The God of the universe knows each and every sparrow. The God of the universe created them with a purpose and a plan in mind. I am MADE in the image of God, a daughter of the King. If the King has made sure that the smallest sparrow has everything it needs, without a single moment of planning, how much more will he take care of me, his valuable daughter. His daughter made with a purpose and a plan. The daughter that he sees everyday. I struggle with the plan and not knowing where to “go next.” Does it really matter when I am SEEN and KNOWN by the King? Can I not trust that there is a plan and a purpose that shows the value the Lord has placed on my life?

When you read those words, what stands out to you? The simplicity? The purpose? The value?

Matthew 6 is a treasure trove of goodness and teaching in the Bible, and is now a chapter I return to often when I need a reminder of the love and devotion given freely to my by my perfect Father everyday. God’s plan is perfect; He leads us into exactly what we need for exactly the time we need it. I am blessed that 2 decades ago, he lead me to my life verse and a constant reminder of his love, devotion, and value he places in me each and every day of my life.