And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
“With God, the more one seems to lose the more one gains. The more He strikes off of what is natural, the more He gives of what is supernatural. He is loved at first for His gifts, but when these are no longer perceptible He is at last loved for Himself. It is by the apparent withdrawal of these sensible gifts that He prepares the way for that great gift which is the most precious and the most extensive of all, since it embraces all others. Souls which have once for all submitted themselves to the divine action, ought to interpret everything favorably. Yes, everything! even the loss of the most excellent directors, and the want of confidence they cannot help feeling in those who offer themselves for that post.”
Jean-Pierrede Caussade (1675-1751) in Abandonment to Divine Providence (Grand Rapids, MI: CCEL) 92.
I shot the new header photo at Herman Creek on Saturday. It was so beautiful there. But to get to this spot required some steep unfavorable hiking.
Seeing how our Lord Jesus Christ cares for creation made me celebrate the gift of the outdoors and drew my heart to celebrate the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
This got me thinking about divine providence, which is why I read from Piper’s new book yesterday and Caussade’s classic today. I added links so you can read these books if you like.
Ponder this thought: “With God, the more one seems to lose the more one gains.” So true!
Related to generosity, this means there is never a sacrifice too great, for the One who bountifully gives us all things offers us Himself. And He cares for us in this life and for eternity.
The words “with God” touch me deeply as a friend who was a radiant reflection of the love of God, Brenda Jones, went home to be with the Lord yesterday. She is with God.
Caussade reminds us that even with the loss of special people we can “interpret everything favorably” because of the providence of God. What a blessed hope!
All who are in Christ and pass away experience beauty in glory greater than this photo. The outdoors are a reflection of the work of the Creator but nothing beats the glory of His presence.