Satisfying Provision
Katie Flores, Guest Writer
TODAY’S TREASURE
"I really rocked it today!" That is the lie I often tell myself rather than believing the truth that God is the One who has upheld me and satisfied me. God's provision is what sustains His people. This world tries to tell us that it's all up to us, we are in control, and if we only do the "right things," then we will masterfully navigate this life . . . until we don't. We can all relate to the striving we do to keep up, keep control, and keep out of harm's way. We also know the false security that we think this gives us.
The disciples must have been able to relate as they watched the crowds following Jesus as He left Galilee. Matthew 14:15 shares how the disciples asked Jesus to send them away to buy food for themselves. "We can't be responsible for these people," they must have thought. But Jesus had different plans and He used the situation as an opportunity to show His gracious provision. “But Jesus said, 'They need not go away; you give them something to eat.'” (v. 16). You probably know the rest of the story where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish given by a little boy to be more than enough for the whole crowd. “And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over” (v. 20).
They were satisfied! Jesus is our true source of satisfaction. The One who created us knows our needs and provides abundantly. If we think back to the verses right before this section of Psalm 145 where the psalmist speaks of God’s kingdom, we connect here that, of course, the King provides for His subjects. Jesus, our King, is “righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” (v.17). He provides not with closed hands, sparing resources and holding tight onto them, but with open hands.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
It's easy to think about physical things when we thank God for His provisions, but even greater are His generous provisions for the things of the heart. 2 Peter 1:3 says, “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.” God requires perfect holiness to be in a relationship with Him. God has provided Jesus to be our pardon.
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PRAYER
Lord, thank You for being our ultimate source of provision and satisfaction. Just as You multiplied the loaves and fishes, multiply Your grace in our lives. Amen.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.