For I Am Your Provider, and I Meet All Your Needs
March 20
Matthew 6:31-33 “ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
One of the lessons I learned in my addiction recovery journey is that I was looking to others - expecting others - to meet my needs. I was empty inside and longed for something, someone, anything to fill the “God-sized” void I had in my life. I looked to magazines, images, and videos to fill me and meet my needs. As foolish and insane as it may sound, I kept chasing those things even though they never filled or satisfied me. Yet, I continued in the addiction thinking - hoping - that eventually it would satisfy. I said I loved God. I knew He was present in my life. I went to church, and occasionally I would open the Bible. But, I wasn’t at the point where I wanted to pursue God believing (trusting) He would give me what I needed.
Years turned into decades, and for nearly four decades I battled the addiction. The more time that passed, the more miserable and empty I felt. I hated who I had become and what I saw when I looked in a mirror. Even after my life imploded, and I found myself a single dad, for the next two and half years I still chased after what the addiction had promised to give me (but never delivered). The addiction recovery material I studied each week at the recovery meeting challenged me to consider God’s ability to meet all my needs. I bristled against that idea for a long time. I didn’t see how God could satisfy every one of my needs. I didn’t see Him as the Provider of all things. The Provider of most things (sure) - but of ALL things?
After nearly four decades of struggling and doing things my way, I finally surrendered the addiction and my life to God. I had exhausted all other options and came broken and humbled before God to change me and to help me learn to trust Him. Because He is loving, forgiving, and faithful, He has been doing just that in my life. God is meeting my needs - all my needs. Not only does He meet my basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing, but He also provides everything else I need. My need to be intimately known and loved is filled when I focus on the will of my heavenly Father. Daily I must turn to Him. In doing so, I grow in the grace and knowledge of God. As a result, I see more fully that He is my Provider and meets all of my needs.