Provision in the Problem
One of my favorite verses of the Bible that I seem to apply the least is Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." There are so many important words in this verse. But one stands out to me in this plea from Paul to Christ followers because of how unnatural it feels. It is the word, "thanksgiving." This is yet another demand for the spirit to be stronger than the flesh. It truly is a carnal oxymoron to give thanks for something that is causing anxiety.
A prior command is given in verse 4, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." There are no if and when scenarios supporting this context. It's simply to rejoice always. That can only happen in this life, with its problems, when it's doing so in the Lord, not ourselves. Our provision is futile. Our promise is feeble. Our process is fallible. Why not place our faith in the one who is flawless?
In the 14th chapter of Matthew, Jesus, in His continual compassion, was compelled to provide food for a massive amount of people one evening. This crowd was estimated to be nearly twenty thousand in number. It had been a long day. Even though people were healed by his words and hands, heat and hunger caused natural fatigue and irritation. Children were crying. Adults were grumbling. Disciples were dismissing. Jesus was facilitating. The need was grand and the provision was a problem. All that was available were five loaves of bread and two fish. The anxiety of the disciples was off the charts. What would Jesus do? He took the problem, presented it (prayed), and gave thanks. He placed the responsibility of provision on God the Father while He gave thanks over the problem; the not enough.
A prior command is given in verse 4, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." There are no if and when scenarios supporting this context. It's simply to rejoice always. That can only happen in this life, with its problems, when it's doing so in the Lord, not ourselves. Our provision is futile. Our promise is feeble. Our process is fallible. Why not place our faith in the one who is flawless?
In the 14th chapter of Matthew, Jesus, in His continual compassion, was compelled to provide food for a massive amount of people one evening. This crowd was estimated to be nearly twenty thousand in number. It had been a long day. Even though people were healed by his words and hands, heat and hunger caused natural fatigue and irritation. Children were crying. Adults were grumbling. Disciples were dismissing. Jesus was facilitating. The need was grand and the provision was a problem. All that was available were five loaves of bread and two fish. The anxiety of the disciples was off the charts. What would Jesus do? He took the problem, presented it (prayed), and gave thanks. He placed the responsibility of provision on God the Father while He gave thanks over the problem; the not enough.
How do we avoid becoming anxious in impossible situations? Anxiety is a natural physical response. We overcome it with the only necessary spiritual response: we give thanks for what we have while trusting Him for the provision we don't have.
My family is dysfunctional. Thank you, God, they are living and reachable with your Word and ways. You will provide stability. My finances are in disarray. Thank you, God, I have health and a job. You will provide sustainability. My failures are disgraceful. Thank you, God, for your unconditional love, unfathomable grace, and unchangeable purpose. You will provide accessibility.
Don't be anxious about what you see as problems. Pray over them and give thanks for them. Joy comes from being able to rejoice in God - always. My wife Cassandra models this. The Holy Spirit continually teaches this. He prompted me today about the necessity and power of seeing His provision in the problem.
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