June 10

God's Providential Care

And do not be concerned about what you will eat or drink. Do not worry about it. For the Gentiles of the world strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you. — Luke 12:29-31 BSB

At the time when our Lord spoke these words, the fields of Palestine were filled with wildflowers, their fragrance filling the air. These flowers adorned the pastures, lined the hedgerows, and hid in the woodland glades. They lived as freely as the birds flying overhead. “They toil not, neither do they spin.” Unlike exotic plants in greenhouses that require careful attention and skilled cultivation, these were flowers of the grass, growing naturally in the wild or in the gardens of the poor. And to Jesus, they were very beautiful.

This tremendous growth of beauty shows us that God loves beautiful things and puts great thought and care into creating them. He could have made the world without a single daisy or childhood without its beauty, but He didn't. Since He clothes the short-lived wildflowers with beauty and cares for the smallest creatures that build up the fabric of the rocks, surely He will withhold no good thing from those who trust Him.

Of course, we must do our part! We cannot be careless or irresponsible. We must sow, reap, toil, and spin. But after all that, we must trust our Heavenly Father, who gives generously. It is pointless to rise early and stay up late in worry, for God provides even while we sleep. He will not let His trusting children go hungry, homeless, or unclothed. “Do not fear, little flock,” says the Good Shepherd, “for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Prayer

Gracious Lord, grant that I, Your poor needy creature, may feel even a small portion of Your loving affection, that my faith may grow stronger, my hope in Your goodness may increase, and that the love kindled within me may never fail. Amen.