22nd February 2024
All your needs
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
Things were in abundance and readily available before 2020. The year of what I thought would be a year of vision; an awakening to something new. It was new alright, but not in the way I had seen or imagined. Who would have thought that people would become so desperate for things like toilet paper? As some began to hoard things the shelves became bare. Why was that? Not because there was not enough to go around, but because some chose to take instead of give. We all provide for the needs of others in one way or another. Some may grow vegetables, some provide fuels, others healthcare, or some other essential services, but when the chain breaks down, we all fall apart.
Our needs as humanity were in a critical condition. You might even say we were all in the ICU (intensive care unit). This is when Jesus stepped in and took care of our needs by sacrificing himself for us. There are many ways to look out for or care for the needs of others. One is through cooperation and adjusting for the needs of one another, just as God did for us.
Paul had been pleading with some in the church to put aside their differences. At one time they had been working together, but they began to look inward, as we often do, and their cooperation soon broke down. This was not only hurting them, but all the others in the church as well. If the church stops functioning, as it should, those we were meant to reach suffer as well. What can seem like a small issue can blossom into a huge problem if not checked.
Paul had come to them bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ. He sacrificed himself for their needs, and in turn, when Paul was in need, they stepped in to provide for him. Jesus has provided for us all in a way we could never have done for ourselves. He did this abundantly, according to the riches of his grace. As we provide for others, Christ provides for us.
What are your needs? Your real needs? When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he said it was to love God and to love one another (Mark 12:28-31). Seeking the needs and the welfare of one another is high on the list. So, we can ask ourselves is hoarding, for example, loving one another? Is standing my ground on this matter really showing love? I have had to ask myself this as well.
We all have needs – clean water, food, shelter, healthcare and warmth on a cold day to name a few. Our greatest need is to trust God and to believe in his love and provision for us. Knowing that God loves us and cares for us, helps us to let go of that tight fist grip we have on some things. As Paul told the Philippians church, help one another and rejoice in the God who fills all our needs in Jesus Christ. Give God the thanks and praise deserving to him. (Philippians 4:12-18). This is where our minds and hearts must be; to love God and to love one another.
‘To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (v. 20)
May God fill you with his presence this week!
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
Local congregation:
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