God the provider

God is called “The Lord who provides”

Ge 22:13–14 The name “Yahweh Yireh” (or “Jehovah Jireh”) is from the verb “to see”, and means “The Lord foresees” or “The Lord will see to it”.

See also Ge 22:8

God provides for the needs of all creation

He provides for the earth

Psalm 65:9–13 NLT

9 You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. 10 You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. 11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. 12 The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. 13 The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!

See also Dt 11:12; Dt 11:14–15; Ps 68:9; Ps 104:10–18; Ps 135:7; Ps 147:8; Eze 34:26–29

He provides for the animals

Psalm 145:16 NLT

16 When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

See also Job 38:41; Ps 104:27–28; Ps 147:9; Mt 6:26

He provides for all people

Acts 14:17 NLT

17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.”

See also 1 Ch 29:12; Ps 68:5; Ps 107:9; Mt 5:45; Ac 17:28

He provides for the poor and needy

Psalm 140:12 NLT

12 But I know the Lord will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor.

See also 1 Sa 2:8; Ps 35:10; Ps 145:13–14; Ps 146:7–9; Is 25:4

Special instances of God’s practical provision

Food and water in the wilderness:

Ex 16:13–18; Ex 17:3–6; Nu 11:4–9; Nu 11:31–32

God’s provision for Elijah:

1 Ki 17:6; 1 Ki 17:16; 1 Ki 19:5–8

2 Ki 4:42–44 Elisha feeds 100 men from 20 barley loaves; Mt 14:15–21 Jesus Christ feeds 5,000; Mt 15:32–38 Jesus Christ feeds 4,000

God’s special provision for his own people

He provides for their practical needs

Philippians 4:19 NLT

19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

See also Dt 2:7; Ps 68:10; Ps 111:5; Mt 6:25–33

He provides for their protection

Psalm 5:12 NLT

12 For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.

See also Ge 28:15; Dt 33:27; 1 Sa 2:9; Ps 91:9–13; Ps 121:3–8; Is 46:4; Php 4:7; 1 Pe 1:5; Jud 24; Re 3:10

He provides for their every need

2 Peter 1:3 NLT

3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

See also 1 Co 3:21–23; Col 2:10

Examples of God’s provision for his people

2 Sa 7:10 security in the promised land; Is 61:3 consolation in grief; Je 33:6–9 restoration from captivity; 1 Co 10:13 a way of escape from temptation

Implications of God’s providential care

Freedom from worry

Matthew 6:31–33 NLT

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Generosity

Luke 6:38 NLT

38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

See also 1 Ch 29:14; 2 Co 9:6–11; Php 4:18

Faithfulness

Romans 2:4 NLT

4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

See also Is 5:1–7; Ho 10:1–2; Ho 11:1–4