The provision of God is declared again and again in the Bible. In Matthew 6, Jesus reminds His disciples that He would provide for them as they journeyed to do His will. In Philippians 4:19, Paul tells the church at Philippi that God’s supply would not run dry as they continue to sacrifice for the Lord’s work.
Everywhere I look in the Bible, I see different Christians’ needs being meet and individuals tasting and seeing that God truly is good (Psalm 34:8). The fact of God’s provision is in the Bible and probably in our minds, but trusting the Lord for daily provisions isn’t as easy as we may think it should be. There’s a spiritual battle going on in our hearts, and doubts and fears want to permeate our thoughts. Let’s face it, it’s a lot easier to worry than it is to trust God.
How do we get victory over those anxious thoughts and trust the Lord for our daily provisions? I pray I can help.
The ideas in this post; I scribbled on a piece a paper a while ago, as I sought help and direction to overcome worry in my life.
Don’t Spend Time Focusing On What You Don’t Know.
Paul taught the church at Philippi how they could have God’s peace ruling their lives.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:6-8
This church was told to replace worry with worship. Instead of worry, give everything to God through prayer and a thankful heart. As they gave God their burdens, the Lord world freely take them all and replace those burdens with peace that cannot be explained. The key to overcoming worry is worship!
Next, Paul states to only fill our minds with things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and that are of a good report. Typically, my worries are not based on what is happening (truth), but what could happen (hypotheticals). We need to cast down those imaginations, and make sure our thoughts line up with the list the Holy Spirit gives us in Philippians 4:8.
How can we cast down these thoughts? We need to focus on truth. It would be a good idea during these isolation days to work at putting Philippians 4:6-8 to memory. Then, when worrisome thoughts creep into our minds, start thinking about Philippians 4:6-8 instead.
This leads us to the next principle to consider:
Replace Doubts With Shouts.
Have you ever had to sing a song from memory and didn’t know the words? It’s like you’re mumbling the words as you fight through it. Your lack of confidence is seen and heard by everyone. I know that this is true because I have been there.
When you learn the words, it changes everything. Your doubts are turned quickly into shouts, and it doesn’t take long for everyone to see and hear that you’re singing with conviction.
It’s also true in our Christian life. Let’s face it; you have no idea what is going to happen in the next seven days. You may lose your job; you may not. You may come into financial difficultly; you may sail through without harm. You don’t know. It’s not worth losing sleep and ultimately negatively affecting our health, mulling over in your mind the doubts of the day. It’s better, in my opinion, to focus on what we can shout in confidence – the promises of God.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
2 Corinthians 1:20
What are those promises? God promised that He would take care of us. The Psalmist said in Psalm 37:25 that he had never seen the righteous forsaken. We are also reminded in 1 Corinthians 1:9, that God is faithful. Isn’t this a better song to sing? You don’t have to mumble the words to a song that you do not know – you can sing a new song of trust in a God that has never failed.
If you’re as crazy as me, you’re singing loudly the hymn, “Jesus Never Fails.” I’m in my office alone as I write this post, so no one can hear my out-of-tune voice exploding throughout this empty building. It’s true though – God never fails.
Let’s consider my last step:
Catch Yourself Before You Fall.
The last bit of advice I want to share with you is to be aware of where you are at today, and catch yourself if you’re heading down a dark pathway. If you’re like me, you’ve been walking someplace and tripped (probably over your own feet), and just before disaster struck – you caught yourself.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
2 Peter 1:10
The Bible reminds us several times to take heed of our life and direction. Don’t walk down a pathway that will rob you of peace and joy – correct your steps.
The Psalmist said in Psalm 39:1, “. . . I will take heed to my ways . . .” What is the direction of your heart today? Do you find yourself leaning toward worry, or are you holding on tightly to the promises of God?
This article isn’t about downplaying the struggles of life – they are very real. The purpose of this article is to lift high the grace of God and His strength in our lives.
Conclusion
It’s an incredible blessing to rest in Jesus. I do not know how I would handle the situation of our world without His hands to hold me up.
I just wanted to share with you a couple of helpful tips along this journey we call the Christian life that has helped me. I was a chronic worrier – it’s true.
With focus, discipline, and God’s grace, I now focus my attention on what I know is true and not what may come to pass.
Let’s keep our focus on the Lord and look to Him for the needs of our life.