Last week I bought our dog, Maestro, some new treats. Mistakenly, I purchased extra large ones. He is happy with them, of course. But yesterday as he was enjoying one, I approached him to pick something up and he let me know I was not welcome in his treat territory! I scolded him for his greed and grumpy attitude. I’m the one who gave him the treat!–how dare he be so ungrateful!
We serve a Father Who gives us more than we deserve. He is the ultimate Provider. Rain and snow fall from heaven to water the earth and meet our physical needs. Likewise His Word nourishes us and accomplishes His will (Isaiah 55:10-11). He provides our daily bread (Matthew 6:11), our comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and our every breath (Isaiah 42:5). Because of His great mercy, we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). He is Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14).
I have known this attribute of God for a long time. I have seen His hand do marvelous things when I have placed my complete trust in Him. What truly amazes me, is that He not only meets my needs, but often grants me my heart’s desire (Psalm 21:2). He hands me the extra large treat when all I deserve is a stone. I fear that, like my dog, I devour it as if I deserved it, as if I were to be credited for its appearance in my life, ungratefully growling in satisfaction that the blessing is all mine!
When I take pause to consider the countless blessings surrounding me, I am truly overwhelmed. How good and gracious is our God! How lovely, how pure, how magnificent, how generous He is, especially to those who do not deserve it.