THE LORD IS OUR PROVIDER. We know this intellectually, as Believers, but do we believe it? Sometimes we need to take a moment to check our hearts and see whether we’ve placed our faith for having our daily needs met in God – or in our jobs. And we shouldn’t wait until we’re faced with potential retrenchment in order to do it!
This scripture is one that I find myself returning to time and time again:
It really is senseless to work so hard
from early morning till late at night,
toiling to make a living for fear of not having enough.
God can provide for his lovers even while they sleep!
(Psalm 127:2)
As a start, this scripture is not telling us to quit our jobs! Work is actually a gift from God: and it is good! The Word says 'work hard and you'll have all you desire...' (Prov 28:19), and that 'the one who is too lazy to look for work is the one who wastes his life away.' (Prov 18:9). So, what is this scripture telling us? It is this: God is our Source - Not our jobs.
Considering the economic situation in the world – and South Africa in particular – there will undoubtedly be more retrenchments and downsizing: we’re seeing it already! This may sound discouraging, but we are from a different Kingdom, aren’t we?! A Kingdom that cannot be shaken. God is our Source; and if He has been providing for us through one job – and then we lose it– does He not remain the Source and does He not readily have a new way in which to provide for us? He does indeed. Hallelujah. His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. And although we don’t always understand - we definitely do not have to worry:
25 “This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing—everything your body needs. Isn’t there more to your life than a meal? Isn’t your body more than clothing? 26 “Look at all the birds—do you think they worry about their existence? They don’t plant or reap or store up food, yet your heavenly Father provides them each with food. Aren’t you much more valuable to your Father than they? 27 So, which one of you by worrying could add anything to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27)
So what are we to do instead of worrying? Matthew 6:33-34 says the following:
33 “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. 34 Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.”
Our God is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord who Provides – and He does provide. Always. Even if the way in which He does seems unconventional. Take Elijah for example:
2 And the word of the Lord came to (Elijah): 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. (1 Kings 17:2-6)
God is always faithful: He cannot deny Himself! And this should bring us great comfort. He is our Father and His heart is to provide for us! If we acknowledge that we have placed our faith in our job instead of the Lord, a simple prayer of repentance and the heartfelt decision to trust in the Lord from this day forward is all that is needed! The Lord will come through for you: not only in this season – but in all the seasons to come. Even if He uses ravens to do it.