[263]. A Message From A Poem – The Elephant And The Lily

[263]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – THE ELEPHANT AND THE LILY

I am repeating the whole scripture passage that was the inspiration for this poem. It speaks about God’s providential care for all His creation. This world is not a haphazard chaos of flukiness, but is ordered in universal laws, all touches of God’s hands.

{{Matthew 6:25-34 “For this reason I say to you, DO NOT BE ANXIOUS FOR YOUR LIFE as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food and the body than clothing? Look at THE BIRDS OF THE AIR that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span? and why are you anxious about clothing? OBSERVE HOW THE LILIES OF THE FIELD GROW. THEY DO NOT TOIL NOR DO THEY SPIN, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. If God so arrays the grass of the field which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? DO NOT BE ANXIOUS THEN, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things, but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore DO NOT BE ANXIOUS FOR TOMORROW for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”}}

In this materialistic world, men seem to count success with material possessions and earthly security. God does not do that. I think this verse sums it all up – {{1 Timothy 6:6-7 “But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment, for we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.”}}

The creatures of earth do not concern themselves with big bank accounts or massing possessions. They are content day by day in God’s provisions. Sufficient unto the day are the troubles thereof. The creatures must have a reliance on God we can’t be aware of.

God cares for His creatures and provides for them. How much more does He desire to provide for us, but too many want to ignore God and provide for themselves. We may try to live independent of God but that independence will fail us the moment he hit death and eternity.

The poem speaks for itself and it is a message I am sure we hear often, but do we heed it. Do YOU heed it or is your faith in God weak? How is your understanding and wisdom in God’s creation? {{James 1:5-6 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him, but let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”}}

GOD WILL PROVIDE FOR YOU!

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THE ELEPHANT AND THE LILY

The elephant will find its food on plains and forest places,

And with a skilful nose, the mouse with smell, its food it traces.

All creatures, small and great, the Lord provides for each its own needs:

The grazing cow its grass, the mouse left overs, and birds their seeds.

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Behold the lily in splendid bloom, its glory thus arrayed,

And see the flowers, their coloured kaleidoscope all displayed.

They grew as God ordained among the rocks and open spaces,

With God’s unique signature written on their scented faces.

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The Lord has provided for all His beautiful creation,

And hails His superb handiwork with the greatest elation.

Who are we to doubt God’s providence and care for His creatures?

The animals possessing the wisdom of God are teachers.

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Why do you worry, O man, that your way is your way alone

In isolation apart from God; and He’s not on His throne?

Go, look at the flowers, the birds, the animals that abound.

Go, see if one worries, and with anxiety can be found.

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The creatures of the sea do not lack; their food is provided;

Insects and birds and animals, where nothing is lopsided;

All divinely ordered, and all proclaim in perfect array

That God is good, and circumstances should not cause us dismay.

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A heart contented in the Lord knows how to rest in His grace.

Each receives from Him His loving care; His blessings all embrace.

A loving God will rejoice in His children’s true attendance;

In God who’s provided all so they might seek Him in dependence.

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R E Ferguson Completed 17 April 2024 15-15-15-15 AABB