Comments Off on Survival of the Fittest vs. God Provides?
The other day, I found a dead bird. Consequently, it got me thinking. In 1859, Charles Darwin wrote “On the Origin of Species.” He talked about limited resources and survival of the fittest. Basically, Darwin decided there were limited natural resources, like food or water. On this basis, he theorized that these limited resources led to competition (survival of the fittest) in the natural world.
In one sense, Darwin was right. As Christians, we certainly know that creation is cursed (Romans 8:20-22). This is self-evident in the death and disease we see around us. However, Darwin approached this question of resources from a naturalistic (godless) perspective. In his worldview, there was never a Creator who provided for His creation.
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” — Psalm 139:6
Psalm 139 is definitely one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible. The picture that David paints of God’s goodness and closeness is so comforting. It is nearly impossible to read those words and not feel God’s love. Without a doubt, it truly is too great for me to understand!
Do you feel like God is distant? Maybe you feel like He doesn’t understand you? Then, I would encourage you to read Psalm 139 and let His Truth change those thoughts.
Proverbs 5:21-23 gives us a sober reminder: “For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes.”
Think about the truth of that verse for a second. Without a doubt, we live in a world where it’s all too easy to curate a perfect image on social media. An absolutely perfect outward appearance. In fact, we edit our feeds and filter our photos. Along with that, we keep a smile on our faces and make our lives look picture-perfect. It happens not only online but also in real life. But, even if we fool our followers and neighbors, God isn’t deceived. He sees everything. Because of this, no filter, highlight reel, or act we put on for others can hide the truth from Him. We’ve exposed our motivations, mistakes, and struggles to the One who examines every step we take.
John 14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
In John Chapter 13, Jesus gave His disciples shocking news. He informed them that He would be betrayed by one of their closest friends. Additionally, He would soon leave them and go where they couldn’t follow.
“Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” — Psalm 16:5-6
Have you ever wondered where your life might be apart from knowing Jesus as your Savior? If not, spend a moment pondering what that might have looked like.
It certainly doesn’t take long to realize how richly blessed we are to be His children. It always goes far beyond the material blessing of His provision. We no doubt find that in our homes or aligning with our interests. Looking deeper, however, we also see a life filled with grace, forgiveness, purpose, hope, and beauty.
Every day, I read from Milton Vincent’s book, “A Gospel Primer.” It has a 31-part section that fits nicely into my daily devotional routine. This phrase always catches me each time I read it (on the 14th of the month). He refers to a “grief-stained joy.” That idea resonates with me deeply when contemplating life. Especially today, as I write this, about ten steps away from my wife Jeanne’s hospital bed — it’s awkwardly positioned in our bedroom. This verse specifically comes to mind as I search for solace.
“If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery.” — Psalm 119:92
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
I recently turned these verses into the most ridiculous-sounding song.
Imagine the corniest-sounding game show theme song ever. Okay, you’re now almost close to the tone of this silly tune. Don’t sing with a sweet-sounding voice. Instead, it should be loud and (dare I say) as annoying as possible.
I’ve been reading through Isaiah in my quiet times. While doing so, I’ve deeply appreciated the truth in this promise from the Lord.
“If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” — Psalm 130:3-4
The fear of God (or the fear of the Lord) is definitely a big theme in the Bible. But, when we think of fear, we often think of, you know, FEAR — or being afraid. Like the fear of spiders or the fear of clowns. Other times, fear is why we don’t do certain things. For example, you might fear flying for fear that the plane might crash. And the reason you didn’t eat the boss’s last donut was for fear of being caught. However, all this is to say that this is not what it means to fear God.
Oftentimes we can take the body of Christ for granted. With some, the busyness of life can cause them to miss opportunities to be together. For others, the fear of judgment, admonishment, or conviction can lead Christians to keep others at arm’s length. Honestly, I can get very distracted with ministry life. Because of this, I miss the true beauty and benefit of being in the same room with Believers; I don’t savor the fellowship we share and the Holy Spirit. But, we read in Psalm 133 that we experience a true blessing from God when we lovingly and humbly “do life” with one another.
Through many circumstances, I have recently experienced how much I need to be with others living for God’s Kingdom. Firsthand, I have seen Saints walk in obedience, “encouraging each other daily” (Hebrews 3:13). I have also witnessed discipleship in action as Believers have instructed those in the faith (Romans 15:14). What is more, while walking through family trials, God has allowed me to experience our “burdens being shared” (Galatians 6:2) and “others stepping into our weeping and rejoicing” (Romans 12:5).
His Good Plan for Believers
Being with other Believers is God’s intention for our Christian walk. Without a doubt, it supplies so much good for us. Being connected with God’s people offers protection and accountability in our struggles (James 5:16). Additionally, it gives us support when we are discouraged or in need (Galatians 6:2). Community always provides endless opportunities to “die to ourselves” by loving and serving our brothers and sisters (John 13:15). Indeed, that is our most remarkable testimony to a lost world that we are followers of Jesus. His truth definitely changes us (John 13:35). Possibly the most freeing thing of all is being connected to other Christians — it surely allows us to be who God made us to be. God has specifically given me my gifts, talents, and passions to be the perfect, complimenting piece to the rest of the body around me (1 Corinthians 12).
