From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind, from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. Psalm 33:13-15
In an out-of-the-way corner of my yard, a flower with the name bleeding heart blooms among the ferns. This is such a fascinating flower. Each little bloom, resembling a heart, is its own puff. Not flat like the petal of a rose or a tulip, but with dimension from which a tiny white drop grows. The delicate branch of the plant that supports these blooms is similar to a necklace on which little pink jewels dangle.
The bleeding heart blooms for about two weeks out of the year. As soon as warm temperatures arrive, the little jewel-hearts fade to a light purple and fall to the ground. The plant then blends in with the rest of the shaded landscape for the rest of the growing season.
I like to study and ponder the bleeding heart because I find great comfort in the idea that the same God who created the planets, instituted governments, and conquered death is the same God who made the bleeding heart. He delights to design it and take the time for forming the intricate little flowers on their delicate stem. They bloom for his enjoyment and bring him pleasure.
The same God who formed the bleeding heart also forms my heart. He knows the intricacies of my character and how best to support the delicate places. He sees the areas that need growth, and plants me in the best climate for blossoming. In a harsh world of oppressive heat and dry terrains, he tucks me into a sheltered corner where I might rest in his shade.
The Lord takes good care of me. He takes good care of us. The events of our lives do not happen senselessly, but are secretly guided by God who sees and directs all that is taking place. The proof of his work is all around us. We only need to use our eye of faith to see and to pay attention to God’s invisible providence. He is working, always working. A favorite theologian of mine says, “Heaven is not a palace in which God remains idle and indulges in pleasures, but a royal court from which he exercises his government over all parts of the world. If he has erected his throne in the sanctuary of heaven in order to govern the universe, it follows that he doesn’t neglect the affairs of earth, but governs them with the highest reason and wisdom” (Commentary on Psalms 1-35 by John Calvin, translated by Henry Beveridge, p. 548-49).
God reigns from the sanctuary of heaven. He instructs spiritual powers. He determines the weather. He attends our worship services. He fashions delicate little flowers. Nothing or no one is too small to receive his care, and that care brings with it the highest wisdom. We can trust the happenings of our lives to his care. He formed the bleeding heart. He continues to form and shape our hearts. He watches over our lives, our coming and going, now and forevermore.
