GRATITUDE FOR GOD'S PROVISION
I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:18-20 (NIV)
One of the phrases that stands out to me in that passage is when Paul said he had more than enough. Paul was a church planter. He didn't have a high-paying job. He wasn't employed by wealthy landowners. He traveled through villages and towns to tell people about Jesus and help them care for each other and worship God together. Since that was his job–his high calling by God–Paul relied on God to supply his needs through the people he ministered to. He didn't receive a steady paycheck. He didn't have a retirement plan. And yet, somehow, he got to a place where he was able to say that he had more than enough. He was amply supplied. In fact, a few verses before this (the end of vs. 12), Paul states, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
So, what's this secret? How can we get to a place of true contentment? I believe gratitude is at the center of it all. The root word for gratitude is the Latin word gratis, which essentially means free. I would say that being grateful is far more than writing down things you have and things God has done, but rather experiencing freedom from needing any of it. Simply saying, yes, God. Because I have You, I can trust I have all I need.
APPLICATION: Take a few minutes and imagine what it would feel like to not be worried about anything. Imagine the feeling of contentment, knowing God has everything under control, and at any given time, He can give you anything you need, even before you ask.
PRAYER: Lord, You have given me way more than I deserve, and You care for me in ways far beyond what I can count or name. Help me slow down and recognize specific ways You provide for me each day. Move my heart to a place of greater gratitude for how You care for me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?