Read: Psalm 147:7-11; Luke 12:22-31
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. (Ps. 104:27-28 NIV)
Whenever we refill the birdfeeders with sunflower seeds or the hummingbird feeder with more nectar, within minutes, the birds arrive. They quickly show up to receive what we offer, to “gather it up,” as the psalmist says.
The Israelites learned a similar principle while wandering in the desert: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions’” (Exod. 16:4 NIV). God provided manna in the morning, but his people had to gather and prepare it. If they collected too much, it would spoil. If they didn’t collect enough on the sixth day, they would go hungry on the Sabbath. God’s instructions were specific, albeit simple to follow. He provided. They had to obey and do their part.
God expects us to have faith in his provision too, but how should we respond? When we look for his gifts, are we willing to obey and receive them? He knows our needs and will open his hands for us too. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17 NIV). May we always be satisfied with his “good things.” —Denise Vredevoogd
As you pray, ask God to help you see and accept his provisions.
About the Author
Denise Vredevoogd is a private piano teacher who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan. She enjoys reading, writing, gardening, and spending time in nature with her adult sons and daughters.
