“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
Joanna looked at her dinner and tried to be thankful for it. The soup smelled like dirty socks, and the bread was crusty. Just once it would be nice to have enough money to go out to eat, or to have dessert – maybe chocolate cream pie! She elbowed her brother Joel, who was sitting next to her, and whispered, “Will you eat my bread?”
Joel looked at her like he thought she was crazy! He had already decided that his soup and bread was really a wonderful banquet. He knew that there are many children in other places who do not have any food, or who have no family with whom to enjoy a meal. Compared to them, Joel felt like a rich man, and he knew he had God to thank for that soup and bread.
God knows what we need. He is also powerful enough to provide anything He wants to provide for us. Sometimes He gives us what we think we need or want; sometimes He does not. Sometimes, He has us wait for a while before He answers our prayers.
Joanna and Joel had the same soup and bread set before them. Did you notice that they responded differently to the same provision? Joel remembered that, ultimately, his food was a gift from God, and he was able to be thankful. Joanna tried to be thankful, but all she could focus on was what she wanted but could not have. Joanna thought she deserved a little better, and she forgot how blessed she was.
This verse in Timothy warns us that our trust should not be in God’s gifts but in God Himself. He provides what we need – physically and spiritually. Joel and Joanna did not have a king’s dinner served to them, but they had enough to eat, and they had enough to praise the God who provides. We may not always have what we want, but we always have what we need in order to glorify God.
We do not need anyone or anything else as much as we need God. Is God what you need to be truly happy? Or are you depending on earthly treasures to make you happy? Do not trust in “uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”
Whether you need food to eat, or a grateful heart to help you eat your food, God can provide what you need. Rejoice in God’s provision, and trust in God. He always provides what you need to be able to rejoice in Him.
God provides what we need in order to glorify Him as we should.
My Response:
» Should I change how I think about God’s gifts?
» What should I do when I need something only God can give?