Provider
Yahweh-Yirah…” the Lord will provide”
When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, God becomes your protector, your caretaker, and he promises to provide for you (“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19). His children are always taken care of, but it is not always how we expect or envision. This is because His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9).
During a time of great uncertainty, I feel as if we all need a reminder of God’s perfect plan, provision, and character. We need to remember that He is a loving and gracious Father. He delights in his children, those who put their faith and trust in Him (“He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me” Psalm 18:19). By His grace, He has given us a way to find and rest in that truth by reading His Word.
Take a moment to read these verses in Matthew… meditate, journal, and reflect.
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:25-34
This passage in Matthew is all about seeking first the kingdom of God. Here, we see Jesus setting forth principles for everyday living. He is telling His people that He will give them everything they need, in order to live under His Kingdom and under His rule. He doesn’t say “I will give you everything you want and everything you think you need.” Remember Isaiah 55:8-9…His thoughts and ways are much higher than ours. He is saying that we don’t have to worry about what we eat, drink, or wear because we have a sovereign Father in heaven who cares deeply for us.
Provide is defined as “to supply what is needed; to give sustenance or support.”
Our greatest need has always been and forever will be more of God, more of His way, and more of His Word. He is our sustenance and support. Remember how Matthew 6:33 says “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” well by doing this, God gives us what we need most—more of Himself.
His character remains stable in the midst of crumbling relationships, financial struggles, hardships, losses, depression, anxiety, sickness, and everything else you may face in life. He has been, and always will be, your Provider.
The greatest thing we could ever receive from God has already been given. The gospel, the great news of Jesus Christ, is more than any other provision or care we could ever ask from Him. Through this beautiful collision of sacrifice, mercy, and redemption, He has provided us with eternal life, where we will praise His name forever! When you put your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have been given the ultimate treasure. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” James 1:17.
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers — most of which are never even seen — don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?” Eugene Peterson
Reflection Question: Take some time to think about the following questions for yourself:
Will I continue to trust God in all circumstances, or just the ones that are easy and comfortable? Will I worship Him in the storm, or just when the seas are still? Do I believe He is a good Father, Who values me? Do I trust He will provide my every need?
Prayer: Feel free to pray these words or just use them as a guide. I want to encourage you to spend some time talking to Him today (“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12).
God,
No matter how many times I fall short and feel insufficient, you always show up. It may not be in the way I necessarily think it will be, but You are always there. I know Your ways are higher than my ways, and Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. You are able and You are good, even when I don’t feel it…especially when I don’t feel it. You sustain me and You provide all of my needs. You are a good Father who delights in me, your child. I know You are all I will ever need. Lord, I don’t want anything else today. I just want more of You. I trust that You are my Provider.
Amen
Today’s Worship Song: Provider — Urban Rescue
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMSyWO2vSWY
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1rdO1Ifw2OE1gjRe1P9rXN?si=iXMzXT-5SKaOj3pIYKtwmw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/provider/900063061?i=900063145
Please continue to send prayer requests my way! Also, if you have any questions about what you read today, or just want to chat, my email is: blrich1399@gmail.com
With Love,
Brooke
