How are we going to make ends meet?
What will tomorrow look like?
Will the fog ever lift?
Will I ever have friends?
Are the funds going to come through?
When will the pain subside?
Will we have enough to provide for our children?
These are all questions that can haunt us at 3AM when sudden panic sets in and the mind gives in to endless wander. The questions that steal our joy as we calculate the total sum for a full tank of gas. The questions that rob of peace when the pain sets in. The stark reality that circumstances change and we are increasingly vulnerable. It's uncomfortable. The change I mean. The not-knowing. The pressure of it all.
It's the same set of questions that arrive when we are confronted with our inability to control the chaos that we were born into, and more so the chaos that builds from within. These questions are really nothing new. We've asked them all before. Was there not a point within the last two years when we attempted to answer them? And needless to say, there will certainly be a time in the coming days that will tempt us to spiral when we gaze at the less-than-favorable circumstances to be our escape, our rescue.
But there is a better way.
Sure, the questions are honest questions. A reaction to the unknown. A begging of relief. An admission, an understanding that we are painfully finite and grossly limited in our ability to control the future in any real capacity. I don't know the answers to the questions that sneak their way into the hours when shadows lurk on the walls. I may never know. And I don't have to know because I know our peace is not conditional to our circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13; John 14:26-29). These questions need not produce a jaw-clenching paralysis; let them point us to something better...
To Someone better.
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32)
Our greatest need has been met in the complete person and work of Jesus Christ. Freedom purchased for us by his very own blood: freedom from sin and freedom to live a life of joyful obedience. We were desperately sick, dead in our sins and trespasses, already condemned to hell to be forever separated from the loving kindness of God. But for those that believe, God has made us alive together in Christ (John 3:16-18; Ephesians 2:1-8).
Our greatest need has been provided for, he will continue to provide all things.
We can not save ourselves. Our circumstances expose our impotence. Our failed attempts convict us. The longings and aches in our soul stand as a scaring reminder. We are unable. But rescue has come. Christ dealt with the one thing we could never do ourself: appease the wrath of God for our every sin and in peace, be reconciled to Him. Christ took our punishment, in our place, what we deserved (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). He died in our place and then defeated the grave by rising from the dead in our place (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Our greatest need: to be reconciled to our very good God. And the way has been made (John 14:6; Romans 10:9). Has your greatest need been met in Christ? If not, these far lesser needs we find ourselves grasping at will cave in on us and suffocate slowly. Turn to Jesus, and find peace for your weary and worn soul (Romans 5, Matthew 11:28-30).
If God has so graciously provided for our greatest need, what is it to him to provide these far lesser needs of ours?
It is his joy as a good Father to lavish his good gifts on those who are called his, all those who have believed in him (Ephesians 1:7-9; Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-34)
So when we ask those questions and are drawn to ask the question, 'Did God really say...?" Remember his past faithfulness in giving you more abundantly than what you deserve. Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me. Bless his holy name (Psalm103).
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly."Psalm 84:11
"How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see."Psalm 36:7-9
Oh, and taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."Psalm 34:10
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"Matthew 7:11
"The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hands, you satisfy the desire of every living thing."Psalm 145:15-16
We have been given Christ. Our greatest need has been met. God will graciously provide for all our secondary needs. You have tasted the goodness of God, remember his faithfulness. Walk in obedience. Your boast is in the Lord. We need not fear tomorrow. The time is coming, maybe next week or next year, when you will be tempted to fix your gaze at your situation rather than your Savior. Avert your eyes and cling to Christ. What a gift you've been given (James 1:17; John 10).
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