ODJ: More Than You Know

October 20, 2017 

READ: Psalm 104:1-35 

O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all (v.24).

What makes grass grow thick and green? Would you believe that part of the answer is lightning? The main ingredient in most fertilisers is nitrogen, and the air is full of it. But grass can’t access the nitrogen in the air until lightning moves through it. Lightning heats the air and splits nitrogen into separate molecules. The molecules of nitrogen then join with oxygen and hydrogen and fall as rain—nourishing the vegetation. Who knew that lightning is one of God’s messengers to make the world green?

Learning about lightning makes me wonder what else God is doing behind the scenes. I love to hear miraculous stories of healing, surprise cheques in the post and bullets that somehow miss from point-blank range. The God of wonders can do spectacular things. But His ‘ordinary’ acts of providence are equally wonderful.

Psalm 104 lists some of the ways God quietly provides for us. He “placed the world on its foundation” and “set a firm boundary for the seas” (vv.5,9). He sends rain to nourish the earth and grow “plants for people to use” (v.14). He “made the moon to mark the seasons” and uses the sun to create a rhythm of work and rest for all His creatures (v.19). “They all depend on [Him] to give them food” (v.27).

Consider the many ways God silently sustains your life. Thank Him for the various systems within your body and for the outside world that provides you with family, friends and meaningful work. Praise Him for the many provisions—like lightning for our lawns—that you may not even know about.

There are countless ways God secretly cares for us! Tell Him thanks for the ways He cares for you that you aren’t even aware of. What an amazing, creative, compassionate God we serve!

—Mike Wittmer

365-day-plan: Acts 9:1-19