March 7

Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. - 1 Timothy 6:17.

EVERY creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. While some abuse temporal blessings and comforts, there are others who are almost afraid to make use of them. It is always desirable we should be sensible of our desert, and that we are not worthy of the least of all the mercies bestowed upon us; yet it is equally important we should feel that we are welcome to enjoy the goodness our heavenly Father has provided for us. It is true, we have by sin forfeited all claim to God’s goodness; but the Saviour has restored to believers this right:-

“He sank beneath our heavy woes,

To raise us to a throne,

There’s ne’er a gift his hand bestows

But cost his heart a groan.”

They are therefore now again become ours, yea, more ours than ever they were before. The Apostle here would have believers to understand that they are not to be unobservant of the seasons of the year, nor be blind to the beauties of the garden nor insensible to the fragrance of the rose, nor look with indifference upon the valleys when they stand thick with corn, or on the little hills when they rejoice on every side; but that they should avail themselves of their high privilege, for every Christian can look around upon all the works of creation, and say, “My Father made them all.” Indeed there is no one can enjoy the good things of nature like one of God’s beloved children, because he connects a sacredness with them, being ransomed by the Saviour’s death, so that he cannot use them indifferently or improperly. And then he relishes the love of the Giver in the gift, and as Watts says-

“How sweet our daily comforts prove,

When they are season’d by his love.”