My family really spoiled me for Mother’s Day this year by spending time with me, writing special notes, making one-of-a-kind creations, and shopping for gifts as well. Each of their offerings was special because they each took the time to think about what I would enjoy and what would make me feel special and loved. I have no doubt that they love me and know me well.
One of the gifts I received from my youngest son was a garden gnome. I have a few little gnomes hiding in spots around my home, and Noah thought I might like another. We were expecting company shortly after I opened the gift, so we decided we would find the perfect spot for the new addition when we weren’t so busy.
We spent a lovely afternoon with our extended family celebrating my mom, sister, sister-in-law and myself. We ate, talked, laughed and took pictures so we could remember our special time together.
I was walking to the house after the last of company left when I noticed something on the steps. One of my garden gnomes was shattered and lying on the top step. Unbeknownst to me, one of my young guests had accidentally dropped it and had cried a lot of tears about it.
I thought back to just a few hours before when my son had proudly presented me with the new gnome. We chuckled a little because it was like Noah knew I needed a new gnome to take the place of the one which was about to be broken.
Granted the gnome was not really a “need,” the situation reminded me of the way God pays attention to every detail of our lives and is ready to take care of things before we even ask. A scripture popped into my head, “…your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8 NLT).
God knows us even better than we know ourselves. He knows the desires of our hearts as well as the needs we may not even be aware of. He knows which experiences will strengthen our faith as well as how those experiences will indirectly make an impact on the faith of others.
When I look back over my life, I can see just how wonderful God has been to me and how he has known exactly what I need. I can recall so many times in my life that God prepared me for a situation or provided for me, sometimes before I even knew the need was there. He has taken care of me physically, emotionally and spiritually and has blessed me in ways far greater than I could have even asked or imagined. He has made Romans 8:28-29 a reality in my life in that even the “bad things” in my life have been used to strengthen my faith and deepen my relationship with him.
Whatever you are going through today, take comfort in knowing that God sees you, hears you and knows what you need before you even ask. Continue to pray, remembering that we do rely on God for all of our needs, and trusting that he knows what is the very best. Have faith that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:28-29 NLT). And rather than worry about today or tomorrow, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33 NLT). He knows exactly what you need even before you ask.
Amen…what a comfort that is