Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Perfect Provision



For days our pond was 'disturbed' by humans. Humans we had paid to fix a multitude of problems. Once finished, with the final boulder in place and the spring-fed creek raising the pond back to its normal water level, it didn't take long for 'them' to come back. Literally within hours, the wildlife we were accustomed to, had returned.


A family of four deer stepped gingerly down to the water's edge to get a drink. A red-shouldered hawk kept his gaze fixed on the pond, watching for even the slightest movement from something edible. A brown water snake glided effortlessly through the pond from one side to the other. Once again, our yard was teeming with God's creatures. I hadn't realized how much I had missed them. The pond acted as a source of life for these 'friends,' large and small alike.


Just like the pond provides for the wildlife in our yard, God's word provides for each one of us. Although the needs of the animals are different, the pond clearly meets each need. Our individual needs vary greatly, yet God's word provides for each and every one of them. From our greatest need for salvation to our daily need for wisdom and guidance. From our need to be loved, to our need for assurance of God's presence. The Bible holds life-giving words that provide nourishment for our souls.


Even as I am able to see my reflection in our pond, the law of God acts as a mirror, reflecting my sin and showing me my need for a Savior. I'm reminded of a certain Pharisee, Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He was a deeply religious man, yet, unlike the other Pharisees, Nicodemus was convinced that Jesus was a teacher come from God. For fear of the Jews, Nicodemus approached Jesus at night. Jesus responded to him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3; KJV). Seeing Nicodemus' confusion, Jesus explained further, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Nicodemus believed these life-giving words of Christ and later we see the difference they made in his life. He and Joseph of Arimathaea boldly approached Pilate to ask permission to bury the body of Jesus, following His crucifixion. Honoring Christ was now more important to Nicodemus than honoring the Pharisees.


As I seek wisdom and guidance in my daily life, God's word reminds me of our spring-fed creek. Much like a spring, His word bubbles over with verse after verse related to these topics. The book of James encourages me to ask for wisdom, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). If I'm to be wise, I'm to begin with reverencing God, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever" (Psalm 111:10). God promises to guide me, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8). He shares a characteristic of those whom He is able to guide, "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way" (Psalm 25:9).Valuable words of life.


On those days when I question God's love for me, His word is replete with precious truth. King Solomon writes, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me" (Proverbs 8:17). When I'm feeling all alone, scripture reminds me otherwise. "...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5b). Again in the book of Matthew, "...and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20).


Whether your need is similar to one mentioned here, or totally different, you can be assured that God's word is a treasure trove waiting to be mined. Take time to search the scriptures today, the life giving words you need can be found within the pages of God's holy word!


Heavenly Father, Your word is truth and light. Thank you that the answers to all of life's questions can be found within the pages of the Bible. In the words of the Psalmist, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God" (Psalm 42:1). Quench my thirst, O Lord. Amen.

11 comments:

  1. Timely and wise words, thank you. Love the comparison and the photo:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  2. Maria, thank you for this encouraging post and reminder! How beautiful that you related the pond and wildlife with us and the Word of God. I like what you said "Much like a spring, His word bubbles over with verse after verse related to these topics." Amen!

    Blessings to you and your family!

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  3. A HUGE amen sister! I just cherish the Word...it truly gives me life and is Living Water for all who are thirsty. Praying for your daughter as well...as she enters into "life."
    God bless...big hugs,
    Cherie

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  4. Thank you! But can I say how awesome your house is???? Gorgeous:))

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  5. Karen - Always wonderful to have you stop by! You're so faithful!! Have a beautiful Thursday!
    God bless!

    Donna - Great to hear from you! You're such an encouragement! God bless you this week as you 'drink' from His word!

    Cherie - Thanks so much for praying for Riley! What a blessing to have prayer warriors before the throne on her behalf! Have a wonderful week and know that you are an encouragement to me!

    Terri - Thank you for your sweet compliment! The Lord provided way over what we could have asked or thought! Prior to moving to GA, we lived in a small cape cod-style home in OH. It was a fixer-upper. We lived there for 5 years and it was never finished! We learned a lot! Rule #1: Never buy a house in the dark!!!! God bless you!!

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  6. Hi Maria -

    Oh, I love your analogy! The picture of the varied wildlife coming to the water drew me in and made a beautiful transition to the spiritual application.

    Thank you.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  7. Great analogy. And I love the picture. Thank you for this good word.

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  8. I just want to stare at your pretty house for an hour. How wonderful to have wildlife come visit you! I'm blessed to live in a migration path for many beautiful birds. Have a great weekend!

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  9. Susan - So good to hear from you! It is so amazing to see all the wildlife that's attracted to the pond...not to mention the critters living in the pond!! Have a wonderful weekend and God bless!

    Jan - Thank you for you words of encouragement! It's a blessing to read your comments! Happy Friday!

    Jill - Sounds like you've got some beautiful wildlife visiting you, too! Anytime you're in the Atlanta area, I'd love to have you visit. I appreciate your comments and faithfulness to stop by! Have a fantastic weekend and God bless!

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  10. Maria, I'm always blessed by your lovely posts. Thank you!

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  11. It still amazes me how He meets my every need! Beautiful spot for a quick drink. No wonder the critters gather there!

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