God's Promise to Provide
Scripture Reading — Philippians 4:8-20
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 When Paul wrote the words of Philippians 4:19, he was speaking from experience. Ever since he'd become a Christian and a missionary for the Lord, he had faced almost every need imaginable. He'd been thrown in prison, he'd faced persecution, and he'd suffered at the hands of those who hated him. But God had faithfully met Paul's needs every step of the way. God had never let him down. Whether in plenty or in want, hungry or well fed, Paul had experienced God's providing hand. At the beginning of a new year God promises to meet our every need. God already knows what we'll need, and he promises to meet our needs. God will be with us every step of the way, providing for us in ways that only God can. It's guaranteed! Make sure you don't misinterpret these words of Paul. God does not promise to give us everything we want. Sometimes God's answer to our prayers is "No." Sometimes God will answer our prayers in ways that we don't want or expect. There may be lots of things God will withhold from us. But he does promise to give us what we need in order to fulfill his purpose for our lives. We have been given a new year to serve God. As God meets our needs, he also asks us to help meet the needs of people around us. This is one way in which God shows his presence through us.
Lord, thank you for your promise to meet our needs. Help us to see the needs of others, and move us to be willing to help meet those needs in your name. Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!