The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down. The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season. You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
–Psalm 145:14-16
As a child, due to health consequences, I never experienced having furry pets like dogs or cats. My immune system would only tolerate birds and fish.
In adulthood, I had pleasant encounters with pets in friends’ homes and enjoyed it tremendously. Recently, I was pleasantly surprised with ownership of my own puppy — conveniently hypoallergenic, a cute poodle mix. Simply, irresistibly adorable!
At first, she had difficulty going up and down stairs. Pouring out her own food or water is well beyond her (or any other pet’s) capabilities. I now have experienced for myself her unconditional lavish love, her readiness to accept me, and her utter dependence on me: joys and responsibilities I had only heard of concerning “pet parenting.”
My furry friend quickly learned to keep a close eye on my hands, deducing that hands often dispensed pats and treats. Her eyes were glued to my hands — first one, then the other — as she anticipated something good coming her way.
I made a similar deduction of my Faithful Friend, Jesus.
“You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing,” the Psalmist says. In His vast love for us, His hands dispense every blessing our life holds, so let us keep our eyes fixed steadfastly on Him.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Your hands have blessed me, even when I didn’t recognize it or trace the blessing to You. By Your grace, I endeavor to trust Your care. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
How does God satisfy my desires?