Rest

In his epistle to the church at Philippi, Paul tells them the secret of being content in whatever circumstances he found himself (Php 4:11). The secret was that he could do all things through Christ (Php 4:13). To that end, he makes this startling claim. "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:19). Now, think about that.

First, note, he is talking about "my God." Not "any god." Not Allah or some Hindu deity. Not fame, fortune, power -- the typical gods of this age. "My God." The God he talked about and taught about and wrote about. The God, he said, with whom we have peace because of Christ (Rom 5:1). The God who demonstrated His love toward us by sending His Son for sinners (Rom 5:8). Paul says of his God, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things" (Rom 11:36). All things consist in Him (Col 1:17). The God whose Son propitiated -- appeased -- God's righteous wrath by His blood (Rom 3:25). He is the God "who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us" (Eph 3:20). Of this God Paul says, if He "who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" (Rom 8:32). Not just any god. That God.

Then look at the claim. He will "supply all your needs." First, then, He does it. Not someone or something else. Not you or your spouse or your job. Not the government or the world. He does it. Oh, He might use something or someone as a vehicle -- a delivery mode -- but make no mistake. It is Him. Second, not merely some; all. Not one need you have will not be met. Not one. If you think you're lacking something you need, it's either on its way to being met or you are mistaken.

The last thought is, perhaps, the sweetest. God Himself will supply. God Himself will supply all your needs. How do you know? How can you trust it? Because He supplies your needs "according to His riches." Not yours. Not someone else's. His riches. The riches of His glory.The riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. That is, an unlimited and ready supply. That, dear reader, ought to be a great source of peace. In an uncertain and chaotic world, you can have that certainty ... if you'll only accept it. It should change what you demand from others and ease your disappointment in others. It should calm your fears and take your worries. If only you'll accept it.