On My Mind...
I’m constantly amazed by the apostle Paul’s sense of gratitude but then Paul knew the grace of God’s provision. And maybe that’s my problem because genuine thanksgiving results from a confident assurance of God’s gracious provision.
The word provision comes from the Latin meaning, “To see beforehand.” To provide for someone is to see their need before it becomes apparent to them and see that that need is met. Provision is fundamental to the character and nature of our God. In Genesis 22:14, He is called Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides.
This is not “what He does” it is “who He is!”
That thought causes my mind to turn to Philippians 4:10-13 where the apostle writes, I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. That last line is one of the most quoted statements from the great apostle. But note the context. He is in prison. The key is found in verse 11, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. The word “content” means to be deeply, sufficiently satisfied. I know, that’s crazy! How is he deeply satisfied in prison? How is he deeply satisfied in plenty and in want? Because his satisfaction is not found in “stuff.” It is not rooted in what he possesses or his comfort. It is the gift of God’s grace. It is God, himself. He is my satisfaction, my life, my joy, my peace.
To come to faith in Christ is to come into relationship with the true and living God and that relationship reorients everything, resulting in true, lasting, unshakable peace. Are you struggling today? Are you fretting your circumstance? Frightened by what tomorrow might bring? Look to Christ. Trust the God who loves you and has promised to meet your every need. Find peace and rest in Him.
I will see you Sunday as we gather for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod
The word provision comes from the Latin meaning, “To see beforehand.” To provide for someone is to see their need before it becomes apparent to them and see that that need is met. Provision is fundamental to the character and nature of our God. In Genesis 22:14, He is called Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides.
This is not “what He does” it is “who He is!”
That thought causes my mind to turn to Philippians 4:10-13 where the apostle writes, I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. That last line is one of the most quoted statements from the great apostle. But note the context. He is in prison. The key is found in verse 11, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. The word “content” means to be deeply, sufficiently satisfied. I know, that’s crazy! How is he deeply satisfied in prison? How is he deeply satisfied in plenty and in want? Because his satisfaction is not found in “stuff.” It is not rooted in what he possesses or his comfort. It is the gift of God’s grace. It is God, himself. He is my satisfaction, my life, my joy, my peace.
To come to faith in Christ is to come into relationship with the true and living God and that relationship reorients everything, resulting in true, lasting, unshakable peace. Are you struggling today? Are you fretting your circumstance? Frightened by what tomorrow might bring? Look to Christ. Trust the God who loves you and has promised to meet your every need. Find peace and rest in Him.
I will see you Sunday as we gather for worship. Have a blessed week!
Rod