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No Worries

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIVUK)

Will God look after His people?  This verse says a big 'Yes'!  The poor Macedonian believers had met Paul's physical and emotional needs through gifts and a companion (Philippians 4:18).  They had given to Paul out of poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-4), but God would give to them 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 (2 Corinthians 9:8).

By describing God as 'my God', Paul did not mean that he had invented his own god, or somehow had ownership over God.  Paul was simply rejoicing in being a loved child of his Heavenly Father, who never fails to care for His own (1 Peter 5:7).  The apostle had proved that.  Irrespective of wealth or poverty, the intimacy he experienced with God was constant.    

'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.  That is when we become disappointed or sad - we 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 (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 (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 or not 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 (2 Corinthians 1:18-22); 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. Forgive me for the times I have worried, faithlessly and needlessly. Forgive me when I dictate what I want, or get angry when I do not receive what I demand. Help me to relax in the confidence that You will meet my needs, and the needs of my loved ones. 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.
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© Dr Paul Adams