"Behold the fowls of the air:" that is, take a serious view of, thoughtfully contemplate them. From this we learn that it is our duty duly to consider the works of God, labouring to behold His wisdom, goodness, power, mercy, and providence therein. This is the lesson inculcated by Solomon: "Consider the work of God," and by Elphaz, "Remeber that thou magnify His work, which men behold." God has revealed Himself through His works as truly as He has through His Word, and we are greatly the losers if we fail to examine carefully and ponder prayerfully the wonders of creation, wherein the Divine perfections are so blessedly displayed..."The works of the Lord are great, sought out all of them that have pleasure therein...He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered." "Marvellous are Thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well."
Why was it that the Lord God took six days to make one creature after another, then took a particular view of them all after their creation, beholding with pleasure the products of His hands, and then sanctified the seventh day for a holy rest? Was it not, among other reasons, to teach us by His own exmple to consider distinctly all the works of His hands, and that among other duties we should meditate on the Lord's day upon the wonderous and glorious works of our Creator?....
If the question be asked, since the fowls of the air sow not, neither reap, nor gather into barns, how then are they provided for? The answer is that they expect their food from God's own hand. "Who provideth for the raven his food, when his young ones cry unto God." "So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts...these wait all upon Thee, that Thou mayest give them their meat in due season." "The eyes of all wait upon thee, and Thou givest them their meat in due season."
But how can irrational creatures be said to cry unto God? They do not use prayer as men do, yet are they said to "wait on God," because by a natural instinct in cration they seek for that food which God has ordained for them and are content therewith.
By such phrases as "they cry to God" He would teach us that they depend upon His providence wholly for provision and rest satisfied therewith."