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 ESV

9 You visit the earth and water it; you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. 10 You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth. 11 You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance. 12 The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, 13 the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together 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 ESV

16 You open your hand; you satisfy the desire 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 ESV

17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”

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 ESV

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.

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 ESV

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory 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 ESV

12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

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 ESV

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own 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 ESV

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Generosity

Luke 6:38 ESV

38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

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

Faithfulness

Romans 2:4 ESV

4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

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