When you’re in nature, do you pay attention to the bird song in the trees with its simple repetition and sweet melody? In response to God’s faithful provision, it’s likely we’re listening to an offering of praise. Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26) The complete and effortless care our feathered friends enjoy is an example of the way we can trust God to take care of us. Birds are provided seeds without sowing and offer songs without restraint. Are we as carefree in trusting God to provide our every need? Are we as constant in offering praise? Jesus teaches that if we have faith as a mustard seed we can expect a symphony of miracles from God—because nothing will be impossible. (Matthew 17:20)

Too often we go to God with mountain-moving situations in our life thinking, “This would be amazing if it happens!” We don’t realize that the word ‘if’ is the door doubt uses to walk into the situation and silence our faith. Maybe mustard seed faith is more difficult to muster than we imagine. It’s concentrated faith. It’s a tiny amount of trust so immovable that it motivates the power of God to move on our behalf. A seed of faith without a smidgen of doubt can expect an extraordinary response. No matter what stands in our way of living the abundant life Jesus came to give us, joy is the reflection of seed-sized faith. Joy is the result of mountain-moving trust. Joy is proof of the supernatural strength that keeps us standing until our miracle comes to pass. 

Everything if given to God can become your gateway to joy. -Elisabeth Elliot