Scriptures-Psalm 37:1-7 and Matthew 8:5-17 (Common English Bible) —“Receiving God’s Generosity”
We all have a ‘little’ farmer in us. In a large city, the suburbs, or country beautiful plants may be found on window sills, patios, in gardens and yards everywhere. Beautiful bountiful plants do not appear without nurturing, watering, fertilizing, pruning, pest control, sunshine as well as proper soil conditions and temperature conditions. The farmer works to create optimal conditions for plants. Is our faith any different?
In Psalm 37:3 (CEV) the psalmist tells us to “farm faithfulness.”
Just as the farmer trusts the Lord to send the seasons every year, he plants according to the seasons and does good works by growing food for people and animals. The faithful farm their faith by trusting the Lord to provide generously for their needs as they provide care for the earth and persons near them.
Just as the farmer enjoys the smell of the earth as he stirs the dirt with plowing, he takes pride and enjoys watching his plants grow. The faithful farm their faith by enjoying the Lord and His generous gifts – talking to Him, praying, reading the Bible, respecting nature, loving babies and children as He provides.
Just as the farmer knows he must be still, waiting for his crops to mature in the Lord’s timing, he waits patiently for his harvest. The faithful farm their faith by being still before the Lord waiting patiently and expectantly.
Just as the farmer knows the rain, hail, and wind come to the good and bad farmers alike, he plants his fields. The faithful farm their faith and don’t get upset or jealous when evil people seem to do well. They are aware of evil‘s presence. The faithful farm their faith by trusting God to act, committing their ways to him, and knowing that He will never abandon them.
Are you faithfully farming your faith to be receive God’s generosity?