My Shepherd. My Provider.

Throughout Scripture, we see our Lord compared to a good Shepherd. One who leads, feeds, and protects His flock. He cares for their every need. He trains them to respond to His voice and follow His lead. Psalm 23 says,

"23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

Provider is one attribute of God that I can vouche for. I have experienced first hand His stretching of pennies, multiplication of groceries, and provision of tuition payments for six when we couldn't afford one. The process of coming to know my Father in this way was not always faith-filled, sunshine, and roses kind of days. I don't want to ever forget the day I sat at our kitchen table with little children noisily running about constantly. With each squeal, my concentration was broken as I tried to pay bills and balance a checkbook who's pockets were not deep enough that week. In discouragement and frustration, I sent them all off for naps so that I could deal with the task at hand. As I sat with my head held in my hands, one of my young children walked up to me. I began to scold him for not napping and he said to me, "Mom, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."I had no idea that boy even knew this verse. I was in awe. He proceeded to tell me that he had just seen that verse in his math book that week and thought it might help me. Boy, did it ever! I clung to that verse time and time again over the years. And, time and time again, my Father has shown up and provided for us.

Since then, He has purposed to show me that this promise doesn't only pertain to my finances. I limited it to that due to the context of my need in that moment. He has shown me that He is enough in all areas of need. He is sufficient to meet me in the depths of my soul in places that are barren, wastelands. The untouched and unnoticed dry places that yearn to be filled. He is the One that can wash over me and flood me with fulfillment I'd otherwise not know. And in His perfect Sovereignty, He chooses how and when and where He'll bring that about. I just get to gracefully receive. In the Psalm above, verse 3 says of Him that He restores my soul. Soul speaks to the seat of emotion, desire, and will. He is able and willing to restore the broken and, perhaps, long forgotten places of our souls.

Matthew 6:32 tells us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs before we even ask Him. We know in other areas of Scripture, it mentions that you have not because you ask not. Are you asking? Ask, so you get to see Him answer! He fully knows us and knows what makes us tick. He understands what sets our heart on fire and fuels us to move forward for His glory. He wired us that way. He knows better than you do what it is that makes you feel fully alive and complete. Those desires you have... He gave you the desires so He could fill the desires in a pure and holy way. So, whether your tank is running dry, or your pocket book is lacking, seek His face. Matthew 6:3 says,  "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." What things? The things that cause and allow you to grow and thrive. Food, clothing, and drink. Let Him satiate the hungers of your heart with His Word, squelch the thirsts of your soul with Holy Spirit, and clothe you in His righteousness.

Father, thank you that you knew me even before I was perfectly and completely knit together in my mother's womb. Thank you for the needs you've given me in the recesses of my heart and soul. They keep me coming to you. Thank you that they keep me coming to my Father in Heaven who is Enough to fulfill and satisfy every longing and lacking. Lord, I wait expectantly for You, my God, to meet my needs. O Lord, do not tarry. Thank you that I can boldly approach your throne. You are incomparable to any other. Help me to seek you constantly throughout my day and be completely content in Christ.

Thank you Lord for you are good and your mercy is everlasting!

Tauren Wells "Known"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6T28lsTPwc

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Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;...

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me, thou art my helper and my deliverer- Make no tarry, O my God.

Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.