Monday, October 28, 2013
Counting On God
Paul spoke about having the experience of both having more than he needed and less than he needed in his letter to the Philippians.
Philippians 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
For me, I have both experienced times of plenty and times of lack. Paul was discussing in this passage the physical needs we have, I believe, like the means to live. It is easy in these times for us to be faced with the fear of not having enough. It is also then easy to think it is because of some sin in our life. But we must be careful about this approach, because it would imply that our well being is of our own doing. What do scriptures say?
Psalms 103:10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
This seems to imply that God is merciful and what happens is not based upon our actions. Perhaps another way to think of this is that if we were dealt with according to our actions, ultimately we would perish. However, God does not remain upset and always has mercy on us.
Psalms 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
So there also seems to be some part of our actions that can result in us losing blessings. However, the good news is God has given us a path out of our sin. He always hears our cries, and Jesus (Yeshua) died for every sin, even before we were born, All we need to do is remember God and find the path back.
Psalms 119:59-60;67. 59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
The affliction here refers to feeling depressed, or pressed down. This is what happens when we do not follow God’s way and go our own way. But if we are willing to consider our ways and our paths, and return to the testimonies of God, confessing our sin and seeking His forgiveness and mercy, He will be pplentious in mercy. We can be encouraged that God will not forget us and will be on our side. I believe this is what Paul was saying in his message about being both abased and abounding. If this is you today, then let us be encouraged and say together with Paul,
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You, the Most High King. Thank You for Your mercy toward us. Thank You for all You do, and for not withholding Your provision from us. Thank You that You supply all our need. Please send today Your plentiful supply for Your children that the whole world may know that You alone are God. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.