“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
Tis the season of making resolutions and many of us will make one or more in an attempt to attain something that we need or want. For me it will be to actually write one of these devotions each week, for myself and for those that it will encourage. As I thought about how important it is for all us to have people in our lives that encourage us, I realized that this is one of the many ways God provides for all that we need according to his riches in Christ Jesus.
The psalmist shows us a bigger glimpse of how Jesus is really all we need, when he writes: “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground” (Psalm 147:3-6). Did that one line hit your heart - “He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name.” Have you ever looked up into the night sky away from the city lights, maybe in the mountains or the desert? There are billions of stars out there and it is a stunning sight to see, breathtaking and awe inspiring. Then there is a still small voice, a gentle whisper that speaks to your heart and says: “I made all of those points of light; I gave them each a name and make sure they travel the path they are meant to travel. I made them and I made you too, I know your name and I know what you really need. I will walk with you so you can travel the path you are meant to travel.
We are standing on the threshold of a new year. It will no doubt be a year of trial and triumph, a year of heartbreak and celebration, of sadness and joy, of life detours and smooth sailing. No matter what the year brings Jesus is all we need. The apostle Paul who wrote this week’s verse also wrote: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. THE LORD IS NEAR (emphasis mine). Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:3-6).
No matter what you might face this year, hold on the fact the Jesus knows your name, He is the Lord and He is near. HE is all we need.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for knowing what we really need. Thank you for granting us peace, for calling us by names, for healing our brokenness. Be near to us always, shining the light of your love through our lives to the world around us, that other will be encouraged to seek you for all they need. In the name of Jesus, who is all we need – Amen.
