If you step back and look at life, does it not seem like a swanky cruise? We are all on some kind of a journey. We are provided with food, entertainment, ports that offer variety. There is a captain who leads us where we are bound to go. It is an elegant party orchestrated by the great “I Am”.
The idea is to point out that God is our provider. Everything comes from Him or from Him allowing it. Whatever we are given is to help us glorify Him or be taught something to help us transform into perfect little images of Jesus.
‘ The ox knows its owner
-Isaiah 1:3
And the donkey its master’s crib; ‘
When I was learning to train my dog, I grabbed onto a valuable piece of advice. Ensure that the dog knows that all good things come from you. Treats to train her, food when she was hungry, play time and snuggle time. As she grew older, it became easier to train her into obedience and make her a good dog since she listened well.
The keys points of this exercise for me were that:
- she knew I was the source of everything
- she listened and was able to correlate good behavior to treats
- when people interact with her upon my approval, they are amazed at how obedient and loving she is.
If an animal with an IQ far lower than us as an Ox , dog or a donkey can figure out who provides them with food and shelter, why do we fall short? Why is this not a constant in our life? The things we take for granted range from the simplest like the air we breathe to the most complex like how we got to where we are. The opportunities given to us and the resources that are abundantly showered on us. Food that shows up when we are hungry, ability to travel. The list goes on. We are better than donkeys. High time, we thanked the good Lord for everything He provides.
‘And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” ‘
-Genesis 22:14
‘the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.” ’
-Deuteronomy 2:7
‘as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ‘
2 Peter 1:3
If you feel that you do not have something, ask God and He will give it to you. He knows you need it before you ask for it. Know that He is the source of everything in your life.
‘And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.’
-John 14:13
Dear God,
You thought of everything for us, You planned it all perfectly. You designed everything from start to finish, orchestrated with precision and excellence. Help me remember that everything comes from You and Your loving kindness. May my actions reflect the gratitude I ought to feel each passing moment. Glory be Yours now and always. Amen.