Week 7
Hope and Anticipate
Day 49
Anticipate God’s
Provision
A new name was given to that place, for the
encouragement of all believers, to the end of the world, cheerfully to trust in
God, and obey him. Jehovah- Jireh, the Lord will provide...
Matthew Henry[i]
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ow often we toss and turn through restless nights of worry
over matters that, by the light of day, reconcile without difficulty or even
inconvenience. Most of us have lost sleep out of fear of something that did not
happen.
When we experience God’s provision
in matters that have cost us worry, we are humbled by the realization that
entertaining fears exhibits a lack of wisdom and faith. As Matthew Henry says
of those who rest in God's protection, "Wisdom shall keep them from being
unduly afraid, and faith shall keep them from being afraid without cause."[ii]
Hannah Whitall Smith’s famous quote
says that "Our part is to trust, God's part is to act,”[iii]
but sometimes our perspective is more along these lines: "My part is to
find out what God is planning so I can make it happen." We are like
children "helping" the Father lift a heavy weight. We strain and wear
ourselves out and manage to lift a miniscule portion that isn't needed by the
One who is actually doing the heavy lifting. And then when the weight is
removed, we fall to the ground, exhausted, and wonder how in the world we will
have the strength to get up and bear all our heavy burdens again the next day.
It isn't that trusting the Lord removes all difficulties; it is just that trust
in Him keeps us from wearing ourselves out trying to lift burdens we shouldn't
bear.
An integral part of trust is
obedience, the kind of obedience Abraham exhibited when he climbed the mountain
at Moriah with his son, Isaac. Abraham did not have the least idea how the
Lord was going to provide, or even if his son would live out the day. When
the ram was given for the sacrifice in Isaac's stead, Abraham named that place
"The Lord Will Provide.”[iv]
May we learn to anticipate that God
will provide for our needs rather than dishonoring Him with our doubt and fear.
Jesus is the holy sacrifice given in our place; He is God's ultimate
provision.
Pray: Lord, I am sorry to be afraid
of the future; please forgive me for doubt and worry. As I turn to You, please
let my fears evaporate. Encourage my heart. and keep me from the sins of
questioning and doubting You. Father, please spark memories of the ways You
have provided for me in the past, help me recognize how You are providing for
me in the present, and build my faith to trust in You for all my tomorrows.
Amen.
~~~
I will bless Zion
with an endless supply of all she needs…
Psalm 132:15a The Voice
And my God will supply every need of yours
according to his riches in glory
in Christ Jesus.
Philipppians 4:19
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