How Much More?

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Until just recently my brother, Anthony, enjoyed singleness. In quietness and comfort he has happily chosen bachelorhood rather than relationships. But things have changed. Anthony has found love. He has bought a dog.

And Marley is no ordinary dog. A beautiful, sleek, jet-black Labrador cross, Marley ranks as one of the most loved upon, fussed over and cared for dogs possibly known to man.

Casting aside his bachelor ways, Anthony now pours boundless energy, time and money into ensuring all Marley’s needs are met. Marley lacks for nothing. She takes vigorous jaunts to the beach every day. She is entertained by an assortment of brightly colored rubber toys that frequently eject amusing, squeaky noises. She sleeps on three different cozy cushioned beds positioned in sunny spots around the home. And Marley is monitored by four security cameras which are blue-toothed to Anthony’s phone so he can supervise his soul mate when he is out and about.

There is nothing my brother would not do for Marley because, as he tells everyone, with a starry look in his eyes, he is in love.

Jesus said “how much more” will He do and give those who ask. No good thing does He withhold from those who seek Him and walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11).

But let’s not be deceived. God is not a God who is out to satisfy our every whim, but He does generously meet our every need. And in His wisdom, He understands those needs far more than we do. He blesses, but withholds too.

Luke 12:24-25: Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

Trusting in His goodness, we can know we are of great value in God’s eyes and that if we ask anything according to His will, he both hears and answers our prayers.

Anthony does not give Marley a stone when he needs nourishing food, nor neglect his dog when he needs love. If we, being sinners, know how to care for those we love, how much more will our Heavenly Father, who is perfect, care for us?

“Heavenly Father, help me to trust you to meet my needs this day and remember that everything good and every perfect gift I have comes directly from you. Amen.”