Devotional: Philippians 4:19

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19

At this time of year, a lot of us start thinking about what we want for Christmas. Hmmm, what about that new video game that just came out, or that book that I’ve just got to get? It’s easy to get lost in all of the things that we want. However, we have to remember that not only is that not the “reason for the season,” but also that God will provide for us “according to his glorious riches.”

What does “according to his glorious riches” mean? Before we tackle that, let’s back up a couple steps. The first part of the verse says “And my God will meet all your needs…” One of the keywords in that part of the verse is “needs.” Now, when we have a desire it is very hard to distinguish between a ‘want’ and a ‘need.’ This can happen very easily because our human nature can be selfish and deceitful. We can even deceive ourselves!

So, God will provide everything we NEED. But now, we are back at the same place we left off at. How do we distinguish between what we need and want? First of all, we need to pray and ask God to tell us what we need. You see, God’s light is the only thing that can destroy those clouds, or wants, that hinder our sight. After we see what we NEED, we should pray and ask God to provide it. But just asking for it is not going to make it magically appear. If we can do anything, we should try to achieve that thing that we asked for. God, in his mercy, will do the rest.

Now that we have looked at the first part of the verse, we can take a look at the rest, “According to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Our needs are met “according” to these “riches” that are found “in Christ.” God’s “glorious riches” could be spiritual, physical, or emotional. We humans not only have physical and emotional needs, but spiritual ones as well!

This verse, so perfect for this season, the time of year that we celebrate the greatest Gift, Jesus Christ, should be something that gives you joy and hope throughout the year. Who knows better than God what you need? I can’t say I can think of anyone that could know any better. Remember what our Lord said in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Jesus gave a great example in this verse. Birds do not grow or make their own food, but God provides for them and as Jesus said, “Are you not much more valuable than they?” We are worth so much more to God than any other creatures in his creation. If God provides for the birds, will he not provide for you also?

God will not only meet your needs, he will bless you, if you ask him, as he did Jabez. By now, you all have probably heard the story of Jabez. Everything in his life was against him. Even his name, which means “pain”, was against him! In desperation, he turned to God and prayed a prayer that is now famous. Here is what happened in this little story recorded in I Chronicles 4:10a. “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel…And God granted his request.” This short verse that is stuck in the middle of the family trees of the Israelites shows the extent of God’s mercy and grace. God raised this man and “blessed him indeed.” Don’t you want that to happen to you? I’m sure that everyone does.

So, this season, and all other seasons as well, remember this verse. I encourage you to stop worrying about what you need or want and start thinking about what others need. You can make a difference in someone’s life by helping with his or her needs. Look around and see if there is anything that you can do to help others. If it is possible, help them out and share the love of Christ.