“Lord, please give me eyes to see your provision.” This is my prayer.

     As my husband and I drove into the forest to cut a load of firewood the second day of summer, I realized the task at hand was one of the ways God provided winter warmth. My heart filled with gratitude rather than resentment for having to take time for this task, which kept me from my desk where I write.

     Recently a brother in Christ was telling me about some added expenses he had. An unexpected bill and traffic ticket meant the “extra” money he earned from a business he was developing would need to be used to cover these debts. He was disappointed.

     “But the Lord went before you,” I said. “He provided the funds to cover these added expenses.”

     So often we are blind to God’s provision. Yet one of God’s names, Yahweh Yireh, reveals that meeting the needs of His children is part of His character.

     Ann Spangler describes God’s name, Yahweh Yireh-The Lord Will Provide, in her book “Praying the Names of God” thus: “Since God sees the future as well as the past and the present, he is able to anticipate and provide for what is needed. Interestingly the English word “provision” is made up of two Latin words that mean “to see beforehand.”

     His provision is not limited to the material such as firewood, food, or money. God also provides for our spiritual and emotional needs as well.

     A search of Scripture reveals a multitude of ways God provides. Here is a quick review:

     He provides what is needed for good works:

     2 Cor 9:8 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” ESV

     He provides the answers needed to calm our hearts:

     Phil 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ESV

     He provides what is needed to live a life of godliness:

     2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,” ESV

     When we are burdened, He provides sustenance:

     Ps 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord,

and he will sustain you; he will never permit

the righteous to be moved.” ESV

     God provides wisdom, counsel, and understanding:

     Job 12:13 “With God are wisdom and might;

he has counsel and understanding.” ESV

     He provides the strength and protection we need to make us an example to others:

     Ps 71:7-8 “My life is an example to many,

because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.” NLT

     If I determine that I do not have enough, think my life is meager, and complain about my circumstances I misrepresent God. I am telling the world He is not who He says He is… provider. Therefore, I pray for greater insight so I will have praises, rather than complaints on my lips. I will declare His glory all day long.

Let’s Talk:

1-My list of ways God provides is not complete. If you know a Scripture that adds to the list, please share it in the comment section.

2-I began the blog with a couple provision stories. Please share one of your own in the comment section.