Contentment Comes from Trust

Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided--a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Philippians 4:14-20 HCSB

Paul had received a generous gift from his friends in Philippi and he was grateful for their financial help and support. He knew that they had given sacrificially, that they were probably going without some of the things they might have had to meet his needs.

His response to this willing forfeiture of their rights for his sake was: “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.”[1]

How could he say this so confidently? How could he look at the risks they were taking, nod his head and proclaim “God’s going to take care of that for you”? It’s because he knew God. He was intimate with God’s character. He knew that God draws near to humble, servant hearts[2]. God is love[3] and His love is sacrificial[4]. When we demonstrate our love by serving and caring for others, we are being like God and by this, He is pleased.

I know you’ve got needs in your life: relational needs, emotional needs, financial needs, spiritual needs. You might be wondering if God is going to be there for you. You might be tempted to lash out at God, or to simply give up hope.

I want you to hear the words of the Apostle Paul which he wrote while under house arrest, chained to a soldier, unable to leave his home, and awaiting a trial that could end with his execution. MY GOD WILL MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS.

God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.[5]

If you will surrender your life into His hands, you need never worry about having what you need. God gives you His Holy Spirit’s presence. He promises to never leave you or forsake you[6]. He is – Himself – more than you need. Trust in Yahweh Yireh’s power to provide for all your needs.

[1] Philippians 4:19 The Message
[2] Psalm 138:6; Proverbs 3:34; Micah 6:8; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5
[3] 1 John 4:7-8
[4] John 3:16; 1 John 3:16
[5] 2 Corinthians 9:8
[6] Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5-6