December 1
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THE EARTH IS SATISFIED WITH THE FRUIT OF GOD’S WORKS
He sends forth springs in the valleys;
They flow between the mountains;
11 They give drink to every animal of the field;
The wild donkeys quench their thirst.
12 The birds of the sky dwell beside them;
They lift up their voices from among the branches.
13 He waters the mountains from His upper chambers;
The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works.- Psalm 104:10-13
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According to enduringword.com, in the previous section, the psalmist referred to what God did with the waters of the earth after the flood in Noah’s day. Now he considers how God distributed waters across the land, sending springs into the valleys to give drink to every beast of the field. The psalmist considered how the water, plants, and animals of the earth each find their place in God’s plan and order. The wild donkeys drink their water, the birds have a home so they may sing among the branches. He saw a good, harmonious world in nature and knew Yahweh was responsible for it. According to Poole, Wild donkeys are mentioned by the psalmist partly because they are dry and thirsty creatures; and partly because they live in dry and desolate wildernesses, and are neither ruled nor regarded by men, and are most stupid creatures, and yet are plentifully provided for by the care and bounty of Divine Providence.” Horne says that birds sing among the branches: “If these little choristers of the air, when refreshed by the streams near which they dwell, express their gratitude by chanting, in their way, the praises of their Maker and Preserver, how ought Christians to blush, who, besides the comforts and conveniences of this world, are so indulged with copious draughts of the water of eternal life, if, for so great blessings, they pay not their tribute of thanksgiving, and sing not unto the Lord the songs of Sion!”
How can humans take for granted the provisions of the Lord when the animals appreciate how God provides for them? Is it the free will given to us that corrupts humankind from being grateful? We become to busy with so many trivial things that we fail to see the beautiful things God created and how they all depend on God for everything and just patiently wait for God’s provision.
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REFLECTION
• What stops you from seeing the many provisions God has given you regularly?