Every Hour: A 3-Day Devotional With David LeonardSample

Worthy God

“And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Philippians 4:19-20

It’s hard for us to admit that we need people. We live in a culture where independence is valued more than community. We’re not going to call a plumber to come to our house if we can learn how to fix the sink by watching a video on the Internet. We’re not going to ask a neighbor for a cup of sugar if our Prime accounts can get sugar to us by tomorrow. We’re not going to visit a doctor unless we absolutely have to, and even then, we want to know his or her qualifications are legit.

So, it’s hard for us to admit we need God.

The problem with extending this independent spirit to our relationship with the Lord is that we misunderstand and dismiss who He is. Paul wrote to the Philippians that God would supply all their needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. That’s a big claim and promise! But it’s not too big when we recognize who God is. He is uniquely qualified. His resources are unlimited. His character is unmatched. God is our fortress and hiding place. He is the shelter where we are safe. He has freed us and called us by name. He is our redeemer and saving grace. He is our Father and our friend. And there will never be a moment when any of those facts will stop being true.

Notice that Paul followed up his boast in God’s all-encompassing provision with a word of praise. Because they trusted in God to provide their needs, the Philippian believers had shown bold generosity and obedience (see vv. 14-15). In other words, their trust in God’s provision impacted Paul’s ministry and revealed God’s glory!

That’s what dependence on God does. It has a circular effect. When we depend on the Lord, we live in a way that prompts other people to praise Him. To do that, to experience this kind of dependent community with God and other people that He provides, we need to see Him for who He is.

Reflection

·How does what a person believes about God impact his or her level of dependence upon Him? How have you experienced this in your own life?

·Who do you know God to be? List every characteristic or quality that comes to mind.

·Praise God for who He is. Thank Jesus for providing for your greatest need through His death and resurrection. Ask the Spirit to lead you to live as someone who knows who God is and trusts Him to provide in every way.