Psalm 145:15-16 – The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (NIV)

Lana's mittens dragged along the snowbanks as she walked the snowmobile path through the bush. The snow sparkled in the bright sun. The winter birds filled the sky with their colour, motion, and patterns. Lana was startled by a sudden heavy flapping of wings. When the hidden Ruffed Grouse burst out of their snow tunnels, snow scattered everywhere. Her first thought was one of wonder — at God's goodness and provision.

When we look at the birds, we see small creatures, vulnerable and alone in a large domain, with predators all around. By God's grace and mercy, they survive with what He provides for them. They eat the fresh new growth from the forest floor and make shelters from twigs and bushes. When the snow gets deep enough, the grouse make tunnels in the snow to shelter from the cold.

As for us, our precious Lord provides not only for our earthly needs, but also our spiritual needs. Our loving God knows the needs of all, and He graces us with the necessities of life — and more. In His wisdom and power, He provides mankind with even more than He provides for the birds. Because the birds have no knowledge of sin, they have no need of the salvation that Jesus provided for us.

Jesus tells us, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26 NIV)

As we observe God's provision for the birds, let us remember that His care and provision for them speaks of His infinitely greater care and provision for us, for He gave us Jesus, Whose sacrifice for our sin meets our need for salvation.

Prayer: Dear Father, we thank You that when we look at Your creation, we see the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We know that You are faithful and good through Your holy Word, and we know so by faith, by practice, and by observing Your creation. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Milam <karenbmilam@gmail.com>
Penn Valley, California, USA
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