Praise for the Harvest - The Wesleyan Church

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. (Ps. 65:9)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 65:9-13

My daughter wanted to start gardening a few years ago, so we helped her get started with carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Her mom and I worked with her to make sure she had everything she needed: seeds, soil, water, and all the gardening accessories. She worked hard planting the seeds and watering the soil, and she loved to watch the plants grow.

Then came the day for the harvest. Oh, how exciting that day was. She walked in holding her carrots and a handful of cherry tomatoes. She was smiling ear to ear, beaming with pride that she grew a beautiful vegetable garden. As her father, I was excited about the harvest and full of joy for two reasons. First, I was proud of my daughter for her hard work and accomplishment. Secondly, I was grateful to God for supplying everything that was needed to make her garden.

Similarly, the psalmist praised God for the harvest. While we never want to minimize the human effort, we do well to remember how God has given all the necessary provisions for the land and the workers. Whether we have a garden or not, we too can take time out of our day to praise God and give thanks for all he provides in our lives, including clothes, food, housing, and much more. How have you given thanks today?

God provides and cares, so take time to give him praise.

Andrew Christman, a proud veteran of the US Army, serves as a hospital chaplain in Columbia, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Wesley Seminary and an ordained Wesleyan pastor.