Why Isn't God Supplying All My Needs?

Was reflecting on Philippians 4:19 this morning as we have some pressing needs that have surfaced. It says " And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I felt compelled this morning to try to make sure I had the entire context of this verse. So many times I've just picked and chosen a verse to quote like it was an "eeny miney moe" of what fits best. However, ALL of God's word flows together and builds on each other, so considering context, isn't an awful idea.

So as I look at the verses before Paul comes to verse 19, he spends time thanking the Philippians for their generosity. (verses 14-17) He even references that the Philippians were the only ones that helped him and points out that there were churches that would not help him. (verse 15) Even in the midst of being away from their area, the Philippians still sent aide. (verse 16) In verse 18 Paul says about their gifts that they were "a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God." Where else have we heard words similar to that?

We've read about this "sweet smelling aroma" in the Old Testament. It's when the Israelites would offer their sacrifices on the altar to God. Leviticus 1:17 says "It is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD." There are several verses in Leviticus that reference the animal sacrifice and a sweet aroma. But the main component is sacrifice. They had to give up or offer something to Lord. In 2 Samuel 24, David was making atonement for the sin he committed. He wanted to buy land to build an altar to offer the sacrifice on, but the owner wanted to give it to him. David refused saying he wouldn't give to God burnt offerings that cost him nothing. Sacrifice. Some times what we want to call sacrifice or giving is just "regifting".

Regifting isn't true giving because it doesn't hurt to give it away. It's generally something we didn't want, so to give it up doesn't have much emotion tied to it. True giving stings a little. True giving burns a little. True giving costs us something. It could be letting go of money so, now we're operating with a little less and budgeting accordingly. Or maybe we gave away some food. Now we have to plan a little more when we cook our meals. Contrastingly, throwing our dusty stuff in boxes that we forgot we had, hadn't worn for years, and/or still has the tags on, isn't the type of giving God is after. The sacrifice that stings is a sweet aroma to God. That giving is putting Him first and ourselves last.

Now back to Paul and the Philippians. He takes the time to point out they are givers. They know sacrifice. Then he ends with verse 19 " And my God shall supply all your need "according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." This morning I'm chewing on the fact that this may not be a coincidence. Is God trying to make a point. Give. Go through some stinging to bless others and watch Me in turn meet all your needs. Is it possible we still have particular areas of lack because we are unwilling to give? Are we so focused on our needs that we won't help others needs and that is the reason we still have those needs? I know that was a tongue twister! Just something to chew on. This is what I will be chewing and meditating on for a while. I need to search my heart and see if I've been shooting my own self in the foot when it comes to getting my needs met. God is very clear that He calls us to help, give, and sacrifice for others. In Matthew 25 they asked Jesus how did they give to Him and He responded when you helped others. That portion of scripture also talks about God rewarding us for that.

Today I definitely have some needs. Some are big and others small. As I went to quote Philippians 4:19, I had to stop and think "Do I understand what I'm quoting and why am I quoting it?" All that questioning brought me to look at the entire section of scripture. The context talks about giving and sacrifice. The Philippians took care of the man of God, Paul. Paul then acknowledges and blesses them. He ends his thoughts saying God will meet all their needs. As I make my requests known to God today, I am now convicted to make sure that I don't solely focus on myself. I want to be consciously aware of the struggle of others and how I can help. In turn I know God will help me. I know I personally can't help everyone in the world. However, I know there are opportunities God will send my way that I should reach out and remedy. This is in direct opposition to "God helps those that help themselves." I believe "God helps those that help others!"