And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 AMP)
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. They craved one thing after another: clean, drinkable water, food, clothing, shelter, protection. Many of us consider those basic needs and don’t spend a lot of time thinking about where those things come from or how those needs will be met.
But for the Israelites, that was not the case. They were minutely aware how dependent on God they were for their every need. Still, they complained.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I think the children of Israel were a bunch of whiners…until I stop to consider myself. I spend a lot of time worrying about the things I think I need and don’t have. But God has always been faithful. He did not abandon the children of Israel at their most whiny moments and He will not abandon us in ours.
What are the things God provides for us?
When the Bible says God will provide, it’s a promise, but it’s also a statement of fact. God has always provided everything we need. Before He created mankind, He ensured that the earth had everything we would ever need: air, food, water, sunlight, occupation, and spiritual connection.
When mankind sinned, God provided a Savior and the plan of redemption to restore the relationship that had been broken.
What does the Bible say about God providing?
The Bible has made very clear promises about some of the things God provides for us. Here are just seven things God promises to provide for His people.
1. Peace. Jesus knew the type of turmoil we would face in this world so He promised us peace. We can experience this unexplainable peace when we keep our eyes on Him (Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27.
2. Grace. We are sinful creatures. We want to do what’s right but we don’t. We want to serve the true God but our hearts lust after idols (Romans 7:15-21). But when we repent and turn our hearts to God, he hears us and forgives us of our sins because where sin abounds, grace abounds much more (Romans 5:20).
3. Love. There is a phrase that is repeated through the psalms: “for His steadfast love endures forever”. God’s love is the pursuing kind. It seeks after sinners meeting them where they are and drawing them back to Himself.
4. Protection. God is a shield to those who are faithful to Him (Psalm 34:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3).
5. Restoration. Our God is one of restoration. He renews what has been depleted and restores what has been lost(1 Peter 5:10).
6. Forgiveness. When we confess our sins, He forgives us and remembers them no more (1 John 1:9, Hebrews 10:17).
7. Salvation. When we confess Jesus as Lord of our lives, we are saved. We are saved from the penalties of sin (Romans 10:9).
Learning from the Israelites
It seems amazing to consider but maybe we need to take a page out of the Israelites book…the apostle Paul said we should come boldly before the throne of grace and that we should bring our petitions before God (Hebrews 4:16). Instead of complaining or whining, let us make our requests known to God.
When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He encouraged them to ask for their daily bread. Jesus wanted us to know we could ask God for our needs on a daily basis. He also wanted us to remember that we were dependent on God and needed to remain in constant communication with Him.
God provides everything we need and when He does, it’s always more than we wanted or expected. God’s provision is but one physical representative of His love for us.
What do you need today, friend? Have you made your desires known to God? I can assure you He’s more than capable to meet all your needs.
Prayer,
Dear Lord, I’m thankful that all the resources in the world are before You and that You’re a generous God. I pray that You will continue to provide for my needs and that I will learn to appreciate Your provision and be willing to come before You with my needs. Thank You for hearing, thank You for answering, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Other actions you can take: