The preservation of natural life is a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's providential care and the importance of gratitude for His sustaining power. The Bible consistently highlights the divine hand in maintaining the life of all creation, urging believers to recognize and be thankful for this continuous act of preservation.

Divine Sustenance and Provision

The Bible affirms that God is the ultimate sustainer of life. In Acts 17:28, it is declared, "For in Him we live and move and have our being." This verse underscores the belief that every aspect of life is dependent on God's sustaining power. The preservation of life is not a mere natural process but a divine act that warrants gratitude.

Psalm 104 provides a vivid depiction of God's provision for His creation. Verses 27-28 state, "All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season. When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things." This passage illustrates the continuous care God extends to all living beings, ensuring their needs are met.

Protection from Harm

The preservation of life also involves protection from harm and danger. Psalm 91:11-12 assures believers of God's protective care: "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." This promise of divine protection is a source of comfort and gratitude for those who trust in the Lord.

In the Old Testament, the account of Noah and the ark (Genesis 6-9) serves as a powerful example of God's preservation of life. Despite the judgment of the flood, God provided a means of salvation for Noah, his family, and the animals, ensuring the continuation of life on earth. This narrative highlights God's sovereignty and mercy in preserving life amidst destruction.

Gratitude for Life's Continuance

The preservation of natural life calls for a response of thankfulness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, believers are instructed, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Recognizing God's hand in the ongoing sustenance and protection of life should lead to a heart of gratitude, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness.

The Psalms frequently express thankfulness for God's preservation. Psalm 136:25 declares, "He gives food to every creature. His loving devotion endures forever." This refrain of gratitude is a reminder of the enduring nature of God's care and the appropriate response of thanksgiving.

Conclusion

The preservation of natural life is a testament to God's ongoing involvement in His creation. Through His provision, protection, and sustenance, God demonstrates His love and faithfulness. Believers are called to recognize and be thankful for this divine preservation, acknowledging that every breath and moment of life is a gift from the Creator.Psalm 103:4
Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 2:6
And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Life in Christ
... the body of this death?" it mingles the thankful song, "I ... Nor is this all, for when
the natural death comes ... us is no longer death, our inner life shall suffer ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/life in christ.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... damned. He died that he might die, he went from life to death, and then from
death to death, from death natural to death eternal. And ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Sight and Blindness
... The lad's passionate exclamation was most natural, and fear ... which enables godless
men to front life so unconcernedly ... and, in a rapture of thankful wonder, named ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/sight and blindness.htm

His Marriage with Martha Savory.
... of the Twelfth Month, I trust with thankful hearts. ... be, less necessary"in the meridian
of life, when the ... are many, and exceedingly trying to the natural part ...
/.../chapter vii his marriage with.htm

1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a ...
... way feeling the strain upon their strength." I am very thankful for the ... this branch
of the work, that it may be the natural outcome of family life, and grow ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vii 1877-1879 they helped.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... he adopted"as a child cries"the natural expression of ... He is thankful to have a little
spending money on ... Ye that are beginning life"you that want to know ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

The Rediscovered Law and Its Effects
... unregarded in the dilapidated Temple, and be thankful for the ... Again Shaphan is the
reader, as it was natural that a ... It always makes an epoch in a life when it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the rediscovered law and its.htm

Triumphant Prayer
... that though we have much to make us thankful, yet you ... law of cycles as the wind of
the natural universe, and ... that the 'river of the water of life that flows ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/triumphant prayer.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... No wonder that the natural man is called in Scripture ... And then learn to be thankful
that your lot is ... to every kind of experience and every condition of life. ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... their parts, gifts, strength of wit, natural or moral ... thy nettles, thy barren heart
and barren life, is a ... and providence of protection and preservation: for he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

What did Jesus mean when He promised an abundant life? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of life? | GotQuestions.org

Is there a difference between the book of life and the Lamb's book of life? | GotQuestions.org

Life: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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