Provision for Joy

In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be wrapping up my study in Philippians. Today I’m jumping to the end of this short book that has much to say about finding joy in unlikely places. The focal verse comes from the final section of writing, and in my Bible it’s entitled “God’s Provision.”

Paul writes in chapter 4:19-

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

This resonates with me because it connects so with what I am studying with my Wednesday morning ladies in Psalm 23 by Jennifer Rothschild. The very first verse of the Psalm says-

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

 

 

Paul is living out and encouraging his people with a truth he has learned well- to depend on the one who cares for him best in and through all circumstances. Even though he is now imprisoned, He knows that his ultimate shepherd will keep him secure, sustained, and protected. He has learned the art of contentment (4:10) and says he has applied this when life was low and when it was abounding because He knew that as long as he was in Christ, his every need was met.

In this way he agrees with David who also knew the perfect provision of God as his shepherd. In my homework this morning, Jennifer had us read the entire Psalm and identify all the needs that David says are met by our shepherd. She summarizes that the sheep of God’s pasture “lack for nothing they need: food and drink, tranquility, rescue, guidance, freedom from fear, protection, and the shepherd’s presence all the days of their lives” (Psalm 23, p. 31).

In light of this truth from the Psalm, Jennifer challenged us to consider that feeling of lack that sets itself up against the truth of God’s provision. Something we feel is missing- it may be a circumstance, possession, or person. It may be an unanswered question or prayer or a need for guidance and wisdom. It could simply be something we long for that God has not provided yet or a trial that lingers, still traveling with us.

We know the truth, but we feel differently . . . and if we’re not careful, that sense of lack will steal our joy. I think that’s why Paul concluded his epistle on joy with this reminder. Wherever we are, whatever our circumstances, our hearts and our eyes must be surrendered to the one who meets our every need- Christ Jesus.

He invites us to come to him with our questions and our feelings that somehow we’ve missed something or been overlooked. That’s what the rich young ruler did in Mark 10:17-21. He runs to Jesus and falls before him wanting to know what He must do to find the life he’s looking for. He has kept all the commandments, but he still feels he’s missing something.

Mark records his encounter with Jesus this way in verses 21-22,

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

After reading the encounter, it dawned on me that the young man lacked a willingness to die to self and live trusting Christ completely. He considered what obedience would cost him- giving up the treasures of this world, his earthly gain, and following the one who would give him what he really needed- heavenly treasure, and it was just too much for him.

While Jesus does not call us all to sell everything we have as a requirement to follow him, he does ask us to die to self. But he does this- not to be hard but from a heart of loving us right where we are. He sees our situation just as clearly as he did the rich young man’s- he knows every love and desire that competes for his reign in our hearts. And even with all he sees, he loves. Enough to tell us the truth: they are not enough to truly satisfy. Put them down. Walk away and follow me.

Today He’s inviting me to follow his lead. There is no greater love than one that lays life down. Do I love him that much, I’m asking? He’s loved me that much, I know.

God help your loving truth triumph over my feelings of lack today-  I want to live knowing that I have everything I need in Christ, my good shepherd.

I’m praying these PICs will keep my eyes and my heart on the good shepherd and his provision for joy!