It matters not what part of the world we are in, that which we call nature is always pleasant to look at. While there may be a little difference different countries, in the way man may, arrange things, also the style of dress, yet what God has made, which is generally termed nature, has a mark about it that lets us know that it is not the work of man So it is in what is before the sheep in the barn, the geese and the pigeons outside, all make us think of the finger of God. All seem so tame too, and the kind and gentle looking girl seems to enjoy having them all around her, while she keeps on busy at her knitting.
When sheep are shut up in a barn, they look to man to feed them. So it seems here, they are all wanting to get something to eat and they are trying in their way to let the girl know it. No doubt, my little readers go to their mamma when they want something to eat; but do you think who it is that is watching over all and supplying all with food? I expect most of you would answer, It is God. Yes, God gives us everything.
Sometimes we read of a famine in some part of the world. That is the time when God is withholding His blessing and men cannot get food to eat. When God does so, He has something to say to men. They may have been forgetful of God and unthankful; and perhaps even using God’s name in vain, and many other bad things; and God would have them to know who they are dependent upon, and then by withholding the food, it would make them get on their knees before Him, and there they might learn, not only their need of temporal things, and dependence upon God, but, that they need their souls saved; and that they must come to God through Jesus Christ as their Saviour. So in this way God would have their sorrow to turn for their eternal blessing. Most of my readers, I expect, have both food and clothing. Let me ask you, do you constantly thank God for all He gives you day by day? May each one have grateful hearts and thank God for all His goodness.
“O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER.” Ps. 107:1.
ML 12/01/1904