In Luke 12:22-28, Jesus discusses God’s provision for us:
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!”
Have you ever toured Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia? Although I am allergic to floral scents, the beauty of this place was worth my suffering in order to see these gorgeous creations.
Later in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador I heard the buzz of multitudes of hummingbirds surrounding the sugar feeders at a mountain retreat. The iridescent hues of green and red flashed as they hung in the air while sipping the nectar.
Jesus tells us that God cares for us even more than these beauties. He cares for us in the sense of providing for us, and He cares for us in the sense of having love and concern for us.
God could provide for our needs with a few dull basics, but He gives us this beauty for our enjoyment and to remind us of His love for all of His creation. And He is not selective about those whom He blesses with earth’s bounty. Jesus said God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45. Although He could chose not to provide for those who rebel against Him or don’t even believe He exists, He does anyway, to demonstrate His vast wisdom and power and love for us.
Our response should be gratitude for God’s provision for us, and trust that He will do so. Sadly, sometimes I sight of these principles. Why? I’m not sure.
Probably I just get caught up in the day-to-day grind and fall into the trap of thinking I am actually earning my keep. But I need to remember that we can plant seeds in the ground, give them water and fertilizer, but only God can make them grow. Without His providence our labors are for naught.
Second, I need to remember my value in God’s eyes. As Jesus stated, we are much more valuable than birds and flowers. When we see that God takes care of them, why should we doubt that He cares for us even more?
Lines from Lynn 