January 12

I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. — John 10:9 BSB

There is a type of pasture to be found in God’s providence. It’s a sweet and nourishing pasture to reflect on the Lord’s providential care over us, spread across many years. Seeing God’s providence makes even the most ordinary mercies feel especially sweet. Every bit of food or provision that we can believe comes directly from the hand of our Good Shepherd becomes twice as delightful.

But oh, what pastures of grace God has provided for His hungry sheep! Consider the promises and declarations, the sacred truths and heavenly comforts scattered throughout the Scriptures.

Above all spiritual nourishment, the greatest pasture is the flesh and blood of the Lord Jesus. As He Himself declared, “For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed” (John 6:55). Every bit of grace that flows from the fullness of Christ, every promise that is powerfully applied to the heart, every truth that comes with heavenly sweetness, every moment of encouragement—these are all spiritual pastures. The prophet experienced this as well: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16).