At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I recall reading about the plight of elephants in Asia. The forced closure of businesses and travel restrictions removed revenue from the wildlife sanctuaries, resulting in permanent closure in some instances
This was particularly problematic for the elephants, as their upkeep was very expensive, and the elephants no longer knew how to survive in the wild. It sparked international debates about the entrapment of animals for human pleasure, and also about animal rights and conservation. If my memory is right, concern was also raised about the destruction of villages and small farms. Hungry elephants were running wild, foraging for food as they had to fend for themselves.
It is so easy for us to miss the impact of our actions on nature, and, more so when we are facing our own challenges. Yet, we have cause to reflect on God’s provision as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Psalms 34:10 NIV
[10] The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Never Lack Any _Good_ Things
I know, elephants aren’t lions. But I suspect that the principle of lack and provisions remains fairly similar in the animal kingdom. I also remember a myriad of advertising originated from Christian charities soliciting funds for hungry people as they offered ‘charity” to them. When those two situations come to the fore, it gives pause regarding our Nougat.
If people are lacking, is it that they are not fearing or trusting God? Or is it that David meant something else? Of course, we would then have to discern what the something else is.
Siblings, this is a tough one. I do not doubt my God’s ability to provide for all humanity. Yet, I’ve seen people in lack. And, if we include the Exile and the Holocaust, the Jews have also faced challenges in the past, where it can be argued, they did not always have their needs met.
Self-Check
Have you ever had a moment when you doubted God’s ability to provide? Why/not? If yes, how did you manage to restore your faith in God?
Digging Deeper
Rather than jump to the conclusion that God is whimsical in meeting our needs or doubt God’s power, let’s think through David’s situation once again.
A shepherd-king turned fugitive, David had seen much in life. Literally the runt of the litter, David was once forgotten by his father. His brothers also had issues with him, possibly thinking him a nuisance, or just an unwelcome presence. He was a public enemy of the king, to whom he swore total allegiance. His wife was given to another man by his father-in-law, and at the time of this psalm, these were but a few of his troubles.
Yet,
David also had some successes. He was able to kill the beasts trying to attack him and his sheep. While tending his father’s flock, the Seer and Prophet of their day anointed him, clearly demonstrating the Lord’s favour upon him. While taking food to his brothers, he successfully overthrew the country’s biggest enemy, earning him a seat at King Saul’s palace and securing him his first wife.
Depending on which perspective we opt to focus on, we find ourselves commiserating with David, or feeling that he had it ‘made in the shade’. He obviously chose to believe that he had it made in the shade. Rather, with God, his needs were covered.
Could it then be more a matter of perspective? That David was challenging us, and telling himself to focus on God’s goodness and provision in times of difficulty? Is it that when we focus on the lack, we fail to see God’s provision?
Hmmn.
– The Children of Israel saw a lack – God had already provided the good things for their needs.
– Gideon saw the mighty army – God had already secured the victory.
– Hannah saw unanswered prayers and barrenness – God had Samuel in mind for her.
Others saw defeat by Goliath, God sent David, who saw God and this overthrew the giant.
What and how are we seeing in our time of need? If we can’t see God in the foreground and in the wings, it could be time to change perspective.
Point to Ponder
Spend some time reflecting on when our vision was skewed, and God’s provision reminded us that God doesn’t withhold good things from us.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
