Christian Living

God The Great Giver

by Shiju Vincent
08/25/20
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“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NLT)

There is a song in Malayalam which starts with a phrase which means, ‘Jesus alone is my riches.’ Yes, God’s goodness which is available to us through His Son Jesus Christ is far better than all the good things this world can offer. People from all walks of life are striving for contentment and satisfaction for which they go after many things. Some trust in people, some in power, some in possessions but only a few trust in prayer. Others trust in technology, a few others in insurance policies but we have learned to trust in God who takes care of us and carries our burdens.

One of the many differences between a worldly man and a spiritual man is that the worldly man focuses on the things of this world but the spiritual man focuses on things which are unseen and eternal. This is what we read in Colossians 3:1, 2. “Since you have been raised to new life in Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

We may lack many things here on earth, but our real abode which is in heaven is filled with plenitude of beautiful dwelling places and unimaginable but the truest riches. By saying, “we may lack many things”, I am not speaking that God will allow us to suffer financially because by doing that I will be speaking against Philippians 4:19 which includes the phrase: “God will supply all your needs” as well as against Psalm 23:1 and also Psalm 34:8, 9. “Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”

Remember I told you that God will never allow us to suffer financially. I never said that God will make us millionaires. Even our Bible passages tell us about a good God who supplies all our needs (not wants). As mature Christians we should be able to distinguish between needs and wants. Also the phrase, “those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing” must be understood with wisdom. As humans we fail to understand what is really good for us. But our Lord who knows and understands each one of us personally and completely provides for us.

Sometimes we are so obdurate even in our prayers that we seem to pressurize God to give us all that we desire.  We are also not hesitant in quoting the following verses: “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” (Psalm 37:3, 4 NLT) The summarized meaning of these verses can be understood as: Those who trust in the Lord and do good will have their good desires met miraculously by their Heavenly Master.

Yes, all the good things God gives us are given through Christ. So the next time you desire and pray for anything just examine whether what you request for are Christ-centered, Bible-based and Eternity-focused. All else is mere normal which has no lasting impact. Come to Jesus, abide in His love and He will sustain you; you belong to Him.