Living on the Promises: What We Really Need

Inspiration MinistriesBy Inspiration Ministries4 Minutes

We tend to see verses such as Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (ESV) as promises of a big house, a full bank account, and a happy family.

But what if it’s not about those kinds of things at all?

We think we need all these things, but all we really need is Jesus. Psalm 23:1 perfectly captures this sentiment: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need” (CSB). Let’s look at what God has already provided for us:

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3–4).

Do you see what Peter is saying here? When we are saved, God gives us His divine nature! HE is our inheritance and perfect provision! But what does it mean that God is our inheritance? The apostle Paul explains it this way:

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will (Ephesians 1:11 ESV).

Children receive an inheritance from their parents. This means that, as believers, we are adopted into God’s family! Isn’t that amazing? We are entitled to call God our Father and Jesus our brother (John 20:17).  As our inheritance from God, we have been richly given His blessings and benefits.

With that kind of favor, we do not need to turn to anyone else to fulfill our needs. God is our provider — our ultimate source. When we look to others to fulfill our needs, we’re only disappointed.

In addition to God’s blessings, we also inherit Jesus’ suffering. Wait, what? How is that a provision? Suffering leads to “steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:3–4 ESV).

If we’re looking for the provision of something new, often that means something old has to die first. We must suffer and die to our old selves for our new selves — our new nature — to be manifest.

But to deal with these trials, God promises to provide us with His grace. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV).

So, you see, Jesus as Jehovah Jireh is all we really need.

In your devotional time, meditate on these verses this month:

Week One

If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith (Matthew 6:30 ESV).

Week Two

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3 ESV).

Week Three

The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10 ESV).

Week Four

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things (Romans 8:32 ESV)?