There’s an Amy Grant song that dances around in my head almost every time I drive by a field of flowers, especially wildflowers along the side of a highway.
No human is tending them, yet they flourish.
This realization always invites me to ponder the amazing generosity of Abba Father.
In her song “Jehovah”, Amy prompts us to “Consider the lilies of the field…and the creatures of the air…” Of course, she’s using scripture in this reference.
“See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28-29). There are so many things to learn in this portion of scripture.
Jehovah is the name of God, meaning your provider. He provides. He provides from the riches of His glory.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 4:19) He is our Provider. Time and again He tells you this through His word.
This song and these verses refer to your Creator providing for your physical needs. This is evident in the air you breathe each moment of your life.
Try to hold your breath and live without it.
My son, as a child, practiced all summer one year in the pool and was so proud to show me he could hold his breath for almost two whole minutes. Two minutes.
Navy seals train rigorously so they can hold their breath. The longest recorded time to date a Navy Seal held their breath was twenty-four minutes, thirty-seven seconds. Wow.
Still, then what? Even if you could go through the “Hold Your Breath” part of Seal training, and make it to a whopping twenty-four minutes, that’s a sliver of one day of your whole life. You need breath. And God provides every single one.
You also need clothing to cover yourself. A shelter over your head. Food for fuel. These are the basics any local animal shelter would list as necessities for animals. His promise, and in fact instruction to you when you have need, is to seek Him first.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Mathew 6:33
Still, your generous Father provides so much more!
When God created man, he deemed it was not good for them to be alone. So, He created woman, as a companion and a helper.
Another basic need; relationship. Of course, your Creator God meets basic needs. And you can trust Him because He is God, not a man. His ways are perfect and higher than your ways. But let’s look at what God provided for your soul through His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For God so loved that world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.” Matthew 27:51 tells what literally happened when Christ died on the cross. The separation between man and the Holy of Holies was ripped in two.
What that did for the soul of every human being, was to make a way for you to be reunited with your Creator God. No more do you need a priest to come to the Throne on your behalf. You may come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace…” Hebrews 4:16)
Generous Savior. He is Jehovah; Provider.
Your basic needs, and the deeper needs of your very soul. He communicates this truth, His promise, to you in every possible way.
Through the lilies of the field, the birds of the air, your loved ones, friends, family, and the work you get to do . . . He satisfies your basic needs of living as well as the deepest need of humanity, salvation.
Then, He comes alongside you, holds you, whispers His truth into your spirit. And guides you.
What a kind and generous God.
Today, when you see a bird out your window, or some wildflower growing on the side of the road, or when a hand wraps around yours as you do life with those blessings Abba has given to you, will you allow your mind to pause?
He is good. And He is good to you.
Praise Him.
Thank Him.
Consider the lilies of the field and the God who provides for you.
And worship Him.
Tina Akridge has walked through loss, and grief after losing her husband who fought cancer for eight years. She learned how to lean on God, and hopes to hold the hand of those who are going through their own loss, offering compassion to them, and helping them turn to God's promises.
Tina's writing will be a friend in those dark places, and show you where to find more peace in your life.
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