As we conclude 2023 and enter 2024, it is appropriate that we pause and reflect on the goodness of our God and His providential care for us.  The Psalmist does that in Psa. 65:9-13:  “You care for the land and water it; You enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so You have ordained it.  You drench its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its crops. You crown the year with Your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance; the grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing” (NIV).  

     While this passage applies especially to the conditions of the Millennium when the curse is lifted from the earth and bumper crops are the rule, even now we see God’s provision for His own and for all mankind in general (Mt. 5:45) as He sustains the earth that He created (Col. 1:17). . In spite of the curse on the earth because of sin (Gen. 3: 16-19), we still experience God’s blessings of provision. Springtime is like a visit from God as He sends us rain and warmer temperatures and causes seeds to germinate and plants to grow. In the midst of the “groaning” of creation (Ro. 8:19-22) we see the hand of God and His providential care.  It seems that all nature shouts for joy as the abundant fruitfulness testifies to God’s blessing. Truly,God, you “crown the year with Your bounty” (Psa. 65:11).  

     One summer, during an especially hot, dry spell in August, our family backpacked into the nearby Cabinet Mountain Wilderness to Wanless Lake, the largest lake in the Cabinets. On the way we camped near Upper Geiger Lake. Due to the hot, dry conditions, we were not able to have a campfire so brought along a little camp stove for cooking.  But, before we started hiking out a couple days later, the much-needed rains came and the trail that had been powder dry and dusty now had water running down it like a little creek!  The vegetation that had been all wilted and droopy on our ascent was soaking up the moisture and the leaves were now opened up, facing heavenward, gladly receiving the blessing from heaven–like the Psalmist said: “They shout for joy and sing” (Psa. 65:13).   We witnessed the providence of God, that is, His care, control, and governance over everything in His created universe by His sovereign will (Eph. 1:11). 

     As we conclude one year and enter a new one, it is good for us to recognize God’s providence in our lives and over all of His creation. We can say with David: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul and forget none of His benefits; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit; who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle” (Psa. 103:1-5).  Similarly, we need to stop and “count our blessings.”

     “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings–name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

      Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings–every doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.

     When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you wealth untold; count your many blessings –money cannot buy, Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

     So amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged–God is over all; count your many blessings–angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

     Count your blessings–name them one by one; count your blessings see what God hath done; count your blessings–name them one by one; count your many blessings–see what God hath done.”   (Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr.).

     Praise God for His providential care in 2023. We look forward to new adventures with Him in 2024, as we are “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Tit. 2:13,14). 

Forever His

Pastor Dave