Something has been missing from our landscape for quite a while. Yesterday we were blessed with a fresh covering of the white stuff. Suddenly, that which was almost green grass is now arrayed in a carpet of glistening diamonds. As I write this, I’m looking out my side window, expecting to see a bird or two at the feeder. I worry sometimes about those smallest of critters. Will they survive the cold weather? Will they come back in the spring when the flowers push their fresh foliage through the dirt? I miss all the feral cats that used to visit from time to time. Have they moved on to different digs? Are they still alive? How do these creatures survive?

When I worry about those things, I have to remind myself that these are part of God’s creation and He is taking care of all their needs. If He does this for the birds, the squirrels, the chipmunks and all the larger animals, like deer, bears, mountain lions, etc., He will provide for us as well.

In the sky above, I see an eagle soaring. His great wing expanse hovers over something that will fill his tummy for the day. On the ground, squirrels continue to forage for food and find it. That stuff doesn’t just magically appear but is made available by the One who created the entire world, the universe and everything beyond. Still the tendency for us as human beings is to worry about where the next meal will come from. We also worry about having enough money to pay the pressing obligations. We forget too soon that God has this. He controls everything and provides for everyone. We forget to thank Him for His provision. We forget to place our complete trust in Him. We try to fix things by ourselves. 

The birds and cats will return in the spring, but I will see evidence of their existence by their little tracks in the snow. I will continue to worry and pray that God will help me with that. He is God and I’m not. He’s so much greater and knows all my needs. On top of that, He loves me enough to provide for all of my needs. If He takes care of the creatures of this earth, how much more will He provide for those He created in His image?

“PROVISION,” BY KATHY BOECHER©

God’s provision is present in the food we eat,

In the laughter we share,

In the quiet, stillness of a cold winter day,

He comforts and refreshes,

In body, mind and soul,

He provides for every need,

Nourishing,

Filling us up to overflowing,

Giving more than enough,

Even when we don’t take time,

To thank Him for it,

He takes away our anxiety,

Fills our hearts with hope,

Saves us from our iniquities,

Delivers us from the devil,

Even when we don’t take time.

To thank Him for it,

He took upon the sin of the world,

Defeated the devil,

Gave us eternal life,

Through His Only Son,

Rejoice and thank Him,

For His greatest gift.