Word@Work Phil55 - Philippians 4:19
Published: Wed, 12/09/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
NO WORRIES
Phil. 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Will God look after His people? This verse says a big 'Yes'. By describing God as 'my God', Paul did not mean that he had invented his own god, or somehow had ownership over God: he simply rejoices in being a loved child of his Heavenly Father, who never fails to care for His own. The poor Macedonian believers had met Paul's physical and emotional needs through gifts and a companion. They had given out of poverty, but God would give out of His great abundance. They need not be worried that their gift will leave them destitute, because God would certainly meet all their needs.
'Needs' are different from 'wants'. Even when we do not know the difference, God does. He has no obligation to give us what we demand, but He is committed to supplying whatever is necessary to get us to the next point in our journey of faith with Him. These provisions may be edible food or spiritual meat, human encouragement or divine peace, physical protection or strength in suffering, personal affection or heavenly love, finance or grace. It is up to God to choose the 'currency', the method of delivery and the timing which He uses to satisfy our real deep needs.
Alas, we often try to play God, diagnosing our own needs and prescribing our own solutions ... but then we become disappointed or sad; start grumbling, complaining or even get angry and bitter because God does not dance to our tune. Paul had learned to be content with a little or a lot. His heart was peacefully satisfied by his God (see Philippians 4:6-7), and so he had no need to worry about how his needs would be satisfied. But those who do not rest in the Lord will never find strength, nor be content with His supply for each day. As Paul wrote (see Philippians 4:11-12), he had learned the secret of contentment whatever the circumstances; however each day went, he would still trust the Lord. So whether you understand what your real needs are, you can be confident that the Lord will meet them. He will provide in His way and His time, whether in your workplace or in the family, in the church or the community - God is faithful to His promises; and "God will meet all your needs" is one of them!
Prayer: Loving Father. Thank You for this assurance that I can trust You and have no need to worry about today or tomorrow. Help me to relax in the confidence that You will meet my needs, and the needs of my loved ones. Forgive me when I dictate what I want, or get angry when I do not receive what I demand. Help me to trust You more and more each day, using the varying circumstances of life to practise the peace of God in a contented lifestyle. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Will God look after His people? This verse says a big 'Yes'. By describing God as 'my God', Paul did not mean that he had invented his own god, or somehow had ownership over God: he simply rejoices in being a loved child of his Heavenly Father, who never fails to care for His own. The poor Macedonian believers had met Paul's physical and emotional needs through gifts and a companion. They had given out of poverty, but God would give out of His great abundance. They need not be worried that their gift will leave them destitute, because God would certainly meet all their needs.
'Needs' are different from 'wants'. Even when we do not know the difference, God does. He has no obligation to give us what we demand, but He is committed to supplying whatever is necessary to get us to the next point in our journey of faith with Him. These provisions may be edible food or spiritual meat, human encouragement or divine peace, physical protection or strength in suffering, personal affection or heavenly love, finance or grace. It is up to God to choose the 'currency', the method of delivery and the timing which He uses to satisfy our real deep needs.
Alas, we often try to play God, diagnosing our own needs and prescribing our own solutions ... but then we become disappointed or sad; start grumbling, complaining or even get angry and bitter because God does not dance to our tune. Paul had learned to be content with a little or a lot. His heart was peacefully satisfied by his God (see Philippians 4:6-7), and so he had no need to worry about how his needs would be satisfied. But those who do not rest in the Lord will never find strength, nor be content with His supply for each day. As Paul wrote (see Philippians 4:11-12), he had learned the secret of contentment whatever the circumstances; however each day went, he would still trust the Lord. So whether you understand what your real needs are, you can be confident that the Lord will meet them. He will provide in His way and His time, whether in your workplace or in the family, in the church or the community - God is faithful to His promises; and "God will meet all your needs" is one of them!
Prayer: Loving Father. Thank You for this assurance that I can trust You and have no need to worry about today or tomorrow. Help me to relax in the confidence that You will meet my needs, and the needs of my loved ones. Forgive me when I dictate what I want, or get angry when I do not receive what I demand. Help me to trust You more and more each day, using the varying circumstances of life to practise the peace of God in a contented lifestyle. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
W@WPhil55 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2009 | Provided by BeaconLight | Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Subscribe | View Archive | Donate | W@W Facebook Group