Psalm 145:15-16 - The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand; You satisfy the desire of every living thing.
These verses are sometimes used as a table prayer, to give thanks to God at mealtimes for the food He provides. But we are not the only ones for whom the Lord provides. He satisfies the desire "of every living thing." From the beginning, God placed such provision into His creation, creating plants yielding seed and trees bearing fruit, and giving to every living creature "every green plant for food" (Genesis 1:30b). After the flood, God said to Noah and his family, "As I gave you the green plants, I give you everything" (Genesis 9:3b).
The Creator's care still continues. In Psalm 104, the psalmist rejoices in the gushing springs that provide water for every beast to drink, the grass that feeds livestock and the plants that God gives for people to cultivate. The Lord Jesus directs our attention to God's care for His creatures to remind us of our Heavenly Father's care for us. Birds do not sow or reap or store crops, but God feeds them all. Jesus tells us, "Of how much more value are you than the birds!" (Luke 12:24b).
We are so valued, yet daily we rebel against our Creator. We become dissatisfied with His provision and seek what will satisfy our own desires. In doing so we follow our first parents, who became dissatisfied with what God provided in Eden. Although they had a garden full of food, they chose to disobey the Word of God and eat the fruit forbidden to them. It is not wrong to provide for ourselves and for our families. The work that we do to care for one another is part of God's provision for us. He provided the same for Adam when He "took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it" (Genesis 2:15b). Yet often we think that we need more for ourselves—more food, wealth and possessions. Sometimes we crave those things that are harmful to us. We are tempted to put all of our trust in earthly things rather than in the Lord who cares for us.
Yet as our Lord said to us, we are of great value to God our Creator. He has made provision for us now and for eternity. He so loved the world that He sent His Son to be our Savior. Jesus took our sins onto Himself, including the sins of our idolatrous desires. On the cross, He suffered the penalty of death that we deserve and on the first Easter morning rose in triumph over death. Created anew through faith in Jesus, we are called to seek that which truly satisfies: "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to Me; hear, that your soul may live" (Isaiah 55:2-3a)
THE PRAYER: Savior and Lord, help me by Your Spirit to trust in Your care for me, now and for eternity. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Carol Geisler.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do our earthly wants get in the way of God's work in our lives?
2. What are some remarkable ways that God satisfies the desire of every living thing?
3. What is the greatest thing God has done for us in respect to our well-being?
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 96-98 Acts 17:1-15
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