Provider

Scripture:  Philippians 4:19 (NKJV) - And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
James 4:3 (NKJV) - You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

A need by definition is something that is necessary for the survival of a person (Microsoft Bing) and a want indicates something that a person wishes or desires to possess. (Microsoft Bing).  Needs can consist of food, shelter, clothing, health, strength and the like. Wants could be a new car, a new house, certain brand/kind of clothing, toys, etc. On another level, some spiritual needs would be love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; generally known as the fruit of the Spirit. Along this Christian journey, all of this fruit is needed and attainable through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (Galatians 5:22-25)

The difference between a need and a want is something that oftentimes confuses our human minds. We think we know and understand the difference, but many times we don’t. This is especially true when we ask God about meeting a need or fulfilling a want. We pray and wait, wait and pray, watch God bless others with things (materialistic and non-materialistic) and wonder when our turn will come. We may even say that God is punishing us for some sinful act we have committed in thought, word or deed. In actuality, God has three answers for us – yes, no or wait. And while we wait on Him, one thing we should do to keep a short account of our sins is check our motive(s) – the reason(s) why we want what we want/do what we do. Why are we praying this prayer? Why are we asking God for it? Are we asking amiss?? (James 4:3)

When we ask God for something, do we always check our motive(s) behind our request? Do we think about what’s driving our asking?? Sometimes, we ask for things out of simple fleshly desires – the whole “I want it and I want it now” toddler/childlike syndrome. Although our Heavenly Father desires us to approach Him with childlike faith (Matthew 18:3, 1 Corinthians 13:11), His Word never mentions coming to Him with childlike behavior or motives. We must reverence, respect, adore and approach God as our Jehovah Jireh – our Provider! Our Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness … my God! That is Who He is!! And when we ask Him for something, we should make sure we are not asking amiss (inappropriately or out of place).

God’s Word promises that He shall supply ALL our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Has God ever failed us? No! Has He ever not come through for us, especially in our time(s) of need?? No! And when He does answer our prayer request, has it ever been less than we asked for or imagined? No! Becuz you know He’s Ephesians 3:20-21 able right?? We can trust Him at His Word. His Word has been/is/always will be His bond – we can definitely count on that! And even when He says ‘no’ or ‘wait’, He still has a way of reminding us that He has us in His care and there is absolutely nothing we can do to separate ourselves from His love!  (Romans 8:38-39)

Our focus in asking The Giver of every good and perfect gift should flow from heart that yearns to be pleasing to Him, not to satisfy ourselves and/or fleshly desires that could result in regrets. So when making our requests made known to God, let us be mindful of our heart’s posture and condition, when and how we ask and the motive(s) behind the asking. And remember, as Grandmama used to say, “Be careful whatcha ask for, because ya just might get it!”

Prayer: Our Father, You are Holy! We give You glory, And I bless Your Name! I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise, will be forever in mouth! I love You Lord! I adore You Lord! I magnify You! I glorify You! You're wonderful! And I bless Your Name! When I call the Lord, He answers me. In times of trouble, He hugs me. He touches me, with my head lifted up. And I bless Your Name! You're wonderful! You're the King of Kings! You're the Lord of Lords! You're the Great I Am! You're the Bread of Life! My Healer! And I bless Your Name! My deliverer! My Waymaker! My Strong Tower in the weakest hour! I give you glory! And I bless Your Name! Thank You for being my Jehovah Jireh, the Provider of everything I need and more! In Jesus’ Name we always pray … AMEN!

*Prayer includes lyrics from Our Father, You are Holy by Ricky Dillard & New G*

(by Casey Turner)