Photo by Daria Kurennaya on Unsplash
“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.” (Psalm 104:14-15 ESV)
Provision, that’s what God is up to, through the Creation. He creates biomes, and environments for life to thrive. In the wild animals search, forage, and hunt for their sustenance. Closer to home, agriculture – domesticating the environment for farming vegetation and domestication of livestock all to “bring forth food from the earth. What a blessing when all these things work together. We must care for all that has been given us.
“You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills; they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.” (Psalm 104:10-13 ESV)
The water cycle provides, the desires of animals to drive them to quench their thirst and fill their hungry bellies. From heaven all things are arranged to interact and support one another. The Psalmist gives credit to God above for his wisdom and direction of all the rhythms and cycles of the earth. Even “the earth is satisfied with the fruit,” of Divine work.
“You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.” (Psalm 65:9-10 ESV)
God is still involved though we know not how. Our scientific bias doesn’t make much room for God’s continued interaction with His Creation. What things are set in motion and what things are continually supported by His word. “And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17 ESV) Still, the blessings abound.
Practice Welcoming Prayer: Welcoming Prayer is a practice of embracing God’s presence in the midst of whatever comes our way. Observing creation, with its joys and struggles, is a way to welcome the moment, trusting that God is with us in both joy and sorrow, peace and struggle. Take time to pause, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, and invite God into them. As you welcome His presence, let go of the need to control, striving to experience His abundance right where you are.