Providence

Fields in Restormel, Cornwall

On a sunny afternoon last week I leant on the field gate and drank in the warmth and greenness of this pastoral scene, from the crops, to the homestead in the distance and the woods beyond. It was a good feeling of basic provision, peace and security.

It reminded me that provided we put God first, holding no area of our lives back, He will care and provide for us to the ultimate. If the Kingdom of God is central to our lives we will not want and have all we need. This of course doesn't just apply to individuals, but to families, churches and whole communities. This promise of God's providence also applies to nations, if only they will turn back to God.

"seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you" Luke 12:31

I Will Never Leave You

Whitsands Bay, East Cornwall

The narrow coast road along the full stretch of Whitsands Bay offers breathtaking views out to sea. There's always something different to see depending upon the weather, time of day or the season. You have to go carfeully though, as people have been known to drive over the cliff edge. I was driving along the other week when the sky grew darker and darker with gathering storm clouds. Although it was mid afternoon it seemed almost like nightime, except at every point of my journey a shaft of sunlight lit up a patch of sea, as if it was following me.

And of course He is always following us. No matter how dark and threatening or frighteneing life is, God will be with us. This is His promise that He will never ever leave us. Even when it feels like we are the only person in the whole world, He is here to comfort, guide and protect.

"I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." Hebrews 13:5

The Comforting Presence

Edale and the Derbyshire High Peak

Ever since my early teens I have loved walking in wild mountainous places. This is one of my favourite spots, a high wilderness plateau in the Peak National Park, reached by a long climb up the Grindsbrook valley. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty where, in the solitude, you can feel close to God. You need to go prepared though, as even in summer the weather can change dramatically and without warning, with the danger of becoming lost in a threatening featureless landscape. This particular day I arrived at the top after a tiring final scramble, to find a sheep waiting for me on a high rock.

There is nowhere we can go without the Lamb of God being there for us. Whether we’re in the loneliness of a desolate wilderness - geographical or emotional - the driest of the hottest desert, the deepest inner turmoil or the most trying circumstances, He is always there for us, to comfort, protect and give succour. He knows exactly what we need.

“You are all around me on every side” Psalm 139:5

Absolute Caring Love

Island of Tresco, Isles of Scilly

The small island of Tresco’s beauty has a magical quality, with its sub-tropical gardens and surrounded by white sandy beaches and turquoise sea. Some of the visitors say they would love to live there, but for many, a day or so is enough before they begin to feel the loneliness and isolation from civilisation as they know it.

There maybe times when we may feel like we are shipwrecked on a desert island and God seems far away. However, no matter how far from home, no matter how desperate we feel, God is close, ready to comfort with His presence. Father is continually thinking of us. His thoughts even outnumber all the grains of sand on this beach. His care is absolute.

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!” Psalm 139:17

Precious and Honoured

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cornwall

Daffodil time at Mount Edgcumbe Country park is a delightful sight, with a yellow carpet of flowers stretching as far as the eye can see under the trees.

We who are set apart for God are a delight to Him. He will go to any lengths to ensure our safety, so we need fear no evil. He is absolutely faithful.

“you are precious and honoured in my sight” Isaiah 43:4