Blest with the Upward Look

Psalm 104:13,14

    For us at this time of the year things are beginning to turn green, and seed has been sown so that we may have food. For others the more intense heat is returning, so that the hillsides burn and irrigation becomes very necessary. Still others are experiencing the chills of coming winter. Yet, except in the regions of the polar caps, there is a time when the soil begins to bring forth the plants we need for food. And of this we sing as our versification of Psalm 104:13, 14 does with these words (PRC Psalter):

    He waters the hills with rain from the skies,
    And plentiful grass and herbs He supplies,
    Supplying the cattle and blessing man's toil
    With bread in abundance, with wine and with oil.

    The Scriptures read thus: "He waters the hills from His chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Thy works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth,''  Psalm 104:13, 14.

    Even though this is true, how often do we, while we eat that food, think of God and His hand that supplies this food? How often can it not be said of us that, although we are labeled as confessing children of God, He is not in all our thoughts?

    How much then do we not need God 's grace to give us the upward look! We came into this world with eyes that look at earthly things; and so often we are cast down in dissatisfaction and gloom. And we are badly in need of a Savior Who will bless us with an upward look that is the result of knowing God as our Provider, and consists in sending praise and thanksgiving to Him. Thank Him for salvation as a free gift of His grace; but thank Him also for food and drink. See Him in all the material gifts which you receive, for they all come from Him. He waters the hills and He gives us our food. Thank Him, and then use the strength you derive from that food to serve and praise Him.

Read: Psalm 104 
Psalter versification: #286:1

Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism

Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
I Samuel 10 
I Samuel 11 
John 6:43-71 
Psalm 107 
Proverbs 15:1-3

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Quote for Reflection:

        The Lord is a sun: He is the Source of all light and life. To live apart from Him is death, but His fellowship is life for us. And the Lord is a shield: He protects and preserves His people form all the powers of evil that seek their destruction. He does not in this life, remove all evil and affliction from them, but He gives them grace which is sufficient unto every need. He makes us taste His goodness even in the way of adversity and makes that way subservient to our glory. Never does He with-hold any good thing from those that walk in His way.

        God gives us always a full measure of good things. All that God gives us is good. The fact that we are not always able to see that does not alter the case. By faith we embrace this promise and are assured that He makes all things work together for our salvation.

        Therefore, when we walk uprightly, no matter what the way of life may be, we are comforted in the knowledge that God is realizing our salvation. --- Herman Hoeksema