God is the PROVIDER. He promises to take care of all our needs. This does not mean sitting on our backside and expecting daily bread to fall from the sky, but it does mean that everything is His and He distributes it according to His will for each life.
The first instance of this word in the OT is when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. The man didn’t argue and on the way to the designated place, but the boy asked the whereabouts of a sacrificial lamb. His father said: Genesis 22:8. “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went together and after they saw the ram caught in the bushes by his horns, Genesis 22:14 says, “Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’ as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’”
Later, God provided David as a worthy king to replace Saul whom He rejected as king. He provided the needs of His people, both spiritual and physical as well as sustenance for wildlife. The needy depended on His provision — “food for those who fear Him” as well as for prosperity and success. Even though the people were commanded to provide many things in service to Him, they knew that He was the source of all that they had.
In the NT, this word is used for both physical and spiritual needs. God commands His people to care for their family — because godliness is about caring for others and part of what it means to live by faith:
1 Timothy 5:8. “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
The NT also warns me not to set my hope on anything or anyone else to provide for me. This is God’s role:
1 Timothy 6:17. As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
This takes faith, especially for those who have skills to provide for themselves. The poorest of the poor can see that God provides, but as my sister demonstrated, our source is always God even when He gives us the ability to provide for ourselves:
Psalm 68:35. “Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!”
Deuteronomy 8:18. “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”
Matthew 6:31–33. “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
However, living in this world is not just about survival and needing the funds and wherewithal to do it. Christians fight temptation and sin and God provides what we need for that battle also:
1 Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
GAZE INTO HIS GLORY. These ways of escape elude me unless I am in the Word of God learning His way to recognize and handle my sinful desires. The way of escape is always Jesus (who said “I am the way”) and His Spirit is my Helper. He discerns what is tempting me so I can defend myself without being oblivious to the danger. He also prods remembrance of what Jesus says so that I know what to do, either before giving in or after I’ve tripped and fallen. He gives me positive ideas and behaviors to replace the actions of sin, and the ability to choose instead of ‘doing what comes naturally’ according to the flesh. My needy soul is entirely grateful for His gracious provision!
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