Psalm 147:9
He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. (ESV)
Psalm 136:25
he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 111:5
He provides food for those who fear him.
Psalm 104:14-15
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen man’s heart.
Psalm 104:27, talking about all of creation:
These all look to you to give them their food in due season. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
In fact, just go read Psalm 104 in its entirety. I’ll wait until you are finished.
Done?
Jesus is probably pulling from the ideas expressed in these (certainly not exhaustive) Psalms, and in turn from Deuteronomy when he says in Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
We are the same as the animals because, like them, we are completely dependent on God. But we are not like them, because we are in the image of God, and are more valuable.
So do not worry. Be thankful, for our Father’s mercy endures forever. Be filled with good things.
Happy Thanksgiving.