The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein (Psalms 24:1).

Audio Devotion -

Standing in the yard with our backs against one another my friend and I would try to count the stars. We would draw an imaginary line in the sky. She would count on her side, and I would count on mine. In a notebook, we kept a tally of our count; that was our childish way of making sure we didn’t have to start over the next night. I have yet to determine how we knew where we left off the next night. We would stand in the same spot in the yard-- night after night, counting and counting. Occasionally, we bickered over who was counting on the wrong side. We must have counted thousands of stars.

Years later, one night, I remembered those times as a child I spent outside, lying on the soft bed of fresh green grass and gazing up into the black pearled sky. It seemed to have been easy to notice the stars back then. I asked myself what happened. How could I miss out on something so magnificent for so many years?

I rationalized that I had allowed the troubles and challenges of everyday life to overshadow that which was so easy to see as a child. The need for financial security, unemployment, family needs and other pressures had weighed down on me very heavily. And though I prayed, I hindered God through little faith and the unwillingness to trust Him. 

On this particular night, however, I spent my time in contemplation of God’s universe. Peacefully, quietly and gently, I observed Him. The longer I gazed at the stars, the more I began to realize that every blessing in the earth is an expression of Him, the Creator. The sun, moon, tides, and stars all fulfill the purpose God has for them. I realized that the earth is a gift of love, the Father giving himself to me. He is the sufficiency I need in all things, great and small. His love created waters with fish, land with vegetation, trees with fruits, a solar system with the planets, sun and moon. It was all made good on the earth before I existed. His love and wisdom provided for my every need. I faced the realization that the love He shows in His creation is the same love that is given to my life and my future. His grace sufficiently meets all my needs.

Prayer:

Lord, Open my eyes and let my mind be on you frequently, so that I may observe you in all things and see your love constantly. You are my Jehovah Jireh, therefore, I can trust you to meet my every need in the right time. Thank you. That through your love, I now experience peace and triumph over my troubles. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Memory Scripture:

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet (Psalm 8:3-6).NCV).