But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:19
“You always take care of me/You always give me just what I need/You always provide in Your perfect time/You always take care of me.” These lyrics to “You Always Take Care of Me,” a song written by Jeremy Johnson that became a source of comfort during the latter part of my employment, resurfaced recently as I began to reflect on God as a Provider. I discovered that His distribution is tailored precisely to whatever’s needed in the season.
The Bible is proof of God’s attentiveness to the happenings of His creation. For Naomi, it meant grief and despair, resulting from the death of her husband and two sons and the unrealized prospect of heirs. For Elijah, it meant severe feelings of failure as a prophet to convict the Israelites to return to God, coupled with Queen Jezebel’s threats to have him killed. But their stories did not end on a sour note. Naomi’s joy was restored as a caregiver of Ruth’s baby boy. And Elijah was refreshed with a new mission by becoming a mentor to Elisha.
I find it helpful to remember people, like Naomi and Elijah, whose stories are within my fingertips. Reading about their experiences reassures me that God, as my Provider, will supply whatever’s needed in the season I’m in. I hope you have the same assurance this Sunday and each day beyond.