“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
If there is one way that the Lord reveals Himself, His presence, and His power to us, it is in the area of provision. David put it most simply: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Ps. 23:1) Some have interpreted this to mean, not wanting for any good thing. Often we use as the basis for this truth, the psalmist’s words: “The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Ps. 84:11) What do the author or Psalm 84, David, and Paul have in common with regard to the matter of God’s provision?
First of all, we find that perhaps the overriding promise of all that concerns provision, is the promise of His presence. To Joshua, leading the people into the promised land, with all that that would mean concerning provision and protection, the Lord would tell him: “…for the Lord they God is with thee, whithersoever thou goest.” (Josh. 1:9) To the disciples of old, He would say: “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:20) In another passage, the Psalmist again brings before us the certainty of God’s presence, power, and provision, by declaring: “God is our refuge, and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” (Ps. 46:1) He continues by writing: “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” (Ps. 46:5) Not only do we discover the blessed fact and reality of God’s constant presence, but also of His commitment to provide that which is good. How then can we rely upon Him to provide, and this with certainty?
In Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers, he is speaking to a context of trial and difficulty. In that atmosphere, the Lord is looking for those who will truly trust Him. He is not looking at boastful, self-confident men, who say to himselfs, “I will just get through this.” As one author puts it, “The Lord waits to be wanted.” He waits to be gracious. These are not only the words that Jeremiah writes concerning being found, when we search for the Lord with all our hearts. The Lord Jesus also made it very clear that if we seek, we shall find. But let’s add Jame’s simple commentary and condition on to this: “…but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” (James 1:6) Why is this matter of God’s provision seemingly conditional? It is because the matter and realization of His provision goes far beyond the simple fact of Him giving. Every conscious need is the Lord calling the believer into a deeper fellowship with HImself, where the individual’s heart is shut up to God, and from God the Father looks to receive the reward. This is clearly declared by Jesus’ words, “…and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:6) So, what is the basis for believing God to provide for the various needs that the believer has, whether they be for food, raiment, protection, or guidance? The answer is found to be two-fold. First, all is based upon the faithfulness of God to fulfill His word. Secondly, the believer’s personal faith in the faithfulness of God, is professed and declared by believing prayer.
In a certain battle, when King Jehoshaphat of Judah, had gone to battle against the king of Syria, with Ahab, king of Israel, the enemy’s strategy was to concentrate their attack at one point, that of the “King of Israel.” Ahab had disguised himself, as not being the king, and so, the enemy concentrated their attack on Jehoshaphat. Overwhelmed by the sheer force of the enemy’s advance, with his life in danger, Jehoshaphat “…cried out.” It was most certainly in response to Jehoshaphat’s cry that God turned back the enemy from pursuing him. Even In the heat of battle, God provided immediate deliverance in answer to one’s cry.
Dear Father, Strengthen us to pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.