Inspired by . . . God’s abundant provision
Focusing on Thanksgiving as a Lifestyle, not just a holiday.
God . . . richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17
Nowhere is the abundance of God’s provision seen more clearly than in the creation story. The account in Genesis 1 and 2 show how God provided for our every human need. The garden's abundance guaranteed no lack of food. Intimacy with God ensured spiritual fulfillment. But God went even further, providing Eve as a source of companionship for Adam. In Genesis 2:23 we read Adam’s gracious response. Everything was perfect.
For a time.
The problems began {in part} when Eve couldn’t see how God was meeting all her needs. She wrongly assumed that He was holding out on her.
We do the very same thing today. As humans we have basic needs. The need for food, the need to be valued, and have a purpose for our life. We were also created with the basic need to connect with God and others. When we feel that any one of these needs are not being met we often, either deny the need, or rebel against the Source. Both responses lead to a an attitude of discontent.
"So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?'
Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.
Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God
and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things. Matt 6:31-33
The truth is, God knows our every need. Genesis 1 and 2 encourage us to thank God for how He has created us. These passages also assure us that God does faithfully provide what we need——when we need it. Believing that God will provide for our every need is an important step in cultivating a grateful heart.
What need is He providing
that you can thank Him for today?
Blessings,
PS Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page for daily inspirations on cultivating a grateful heart! I would love for you to join the discussion!
Note: My inspiration for this series comes from the November 2009 issue of Today in the Word. A ministry of Moody Bible Institute.
Sharing inspiration here:
Beautiful friendships! He truly revealed the beauty of connecting at a deeper level with friends. I am so grateful for the people He has placed in my life. I am grateful for YOU, June. Love you much. xoxo
ReplyDeleteLove this! Thank you. I start my days with your writings now, every day, and YOU haven't failed to deliver, through Him, yet!
ReplyDeleteHi June! (Did you change your blog a little? The post looks really great!)
ReplyDeleteI have been changing my mind a lot about what God really wants from me. I think front and center, it's thanksgiving. You're so right, it should be a part of my lifestyle...the capstone really. It shows him (and me) that I know I couldn't have done anything myself. Only with him and through him. I think that's a powerful thought.
I am very thankful for my sisters. Although we don't live close geographically, we still stay very close through media, and visits. I love them!
Have a great day!
Ceil
Amen!
ReplyDeleteGod does bless us so much! It's sad how often we forget to acknowledge that or we overlook it.
I also think we sometimes get in the mindset, "I did this.", "I worked hard for...", or "I deserved..."
When really, everything is FROM God.
He gives to us beyond measure. I'm so thankful He doesn't give me what I deserve :)
"...as a lifestyle, not just a holiday..." Amen! Love that.
ReplyDeleteI am thanking Him today for providing for me in so many luxurious ways...hair dye to cover my gray, washing machine/dryer to clean my clothes, computer to read encouraging thoughts that turn me more and more to Him! Thanks for doing your part in that one, June.
There is so much to be thankful for. I am humbled every day by his generosity and patience with me. May God richly bless you for sharing His wonderful truths.
ReplyDeleteVery good message! We should never run out of things to be thankful for!
ReplyDeleteI'm particularly thankful for a warm house, sweaters, shawls, gloves, stocking hats, and family today...hot cocoa too, and the wonderfully pleasant weather we had in October!