Provided For | Qualities of Women Who Trust Jesus
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” — 1 Timothy 6:17
In 2010, scholars studied 464 sugarcane farmers in 54 different villages in India. After administering cognitive tests before and after harvest, there was a noticeable difference in cognitive functioning. On the pre-harvest tests, the farmers— desperate to provide for their families— scored lower. They scored considerably higher, however, on the post-harvest tests.
What does this tell us? Living with a scarcity mindset negatively effects human beings; namely, our ability to think. Researchers concluded that people who find themselves in a context of scarcity have less cognitive capacity. The research article states, “The findings, in other words, are not about poor people, but about any people who find themselves poor… Put simply, evoking financial concerns has a cognitive impact comparable with losing a full night of sleep” (Mani, et al. 2013).
This makes me wonder, how often do I operate in a mindset of scarcity? (Maybe THIS explains why some days my brain feels like it’s stuck on a loading screen!) It kinda makes sense. I regularly feel like I don’t have enough. Not enough money. Not enough time. Not enough space in my minivan for all the teens who need rides. Not enough energy, mental space, clean socks in the drawer or cereal in the pantry. (Seriously, how do kids go through Honey Bunches of Oats so fast?!)
In 1 Timothy, Paul gets right to the heart of this struggle between a mindset of scarcity vs. abundance. But he’s very clear: our abundance mentality should not come from a reliance on earthly riches. Money is by nature completely unreliable, uncertain. It’s not sturdy enough to hold the weight of our hope. Only God is strong enough for that. And that’s exactly where Paul turns our attention.
When we’re stuck in a scarcity mindset, for the sake of our mental, emotional and spiritual health, we need to change direction, but this is only possible by the grace of God. Let’s identify three questions about God that Paul answers in 1 Timothy 6:17:
What does God do?
How does He do it?
Why does He do it?
What does God do?
He provides. He sees our needs and He makes it His business to meet them. The greek word for “provides” in this verse assumes that the one who performs the providing does so out of their own personal resources or power. We may not feel like what we have is not enough, but we have a Father who Himself IS ENOUGH. Not only does He have an abundance of resources and power to provide for us, but providing is part of His character. It’s who He is. In fact, it’s one of the Old Testament names for God: Jehovah Jireh, the Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14).
How does He do it?
Richly. God is not facing bankruptcy. He’s not dipping low on his account balance or at risk for spending his resources unwisely. He’s a perfect, loving Father who abundantly provides for His children. The needs in our lives should not drive us toward a mindset of fear or scarcity, but they should drive us toward prayer. Put your hope in the only One who can richly provide for all of your needs… and then some!
Why does He do it?
For our enjoyment. It literally says that. Check it for yourself… He “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” It’s scriptures like this that really challenge me. What’s my perspective when it comes to who God is and what He’s like? Do I think of God as boring or stingy? Maybe dull and disinterested. But, oh, this verse changes that viewpoint real quick. It makes sense that the colorful God who created sunsets and sugarcane is the same God who provides for our needs so we could enjoy this life that He’s given us.
Sister, let’s allow God’s word to reshape our thinking. Yes, we may have needs, significant needs in our lives. But we are not orphans left to fend for ourselves. We are daughters of the King! We are seen and loved. We are provided for.
REFERENCES:
Blanchfield, Theodora. “How to Shift From a Scarcity Mindset to an Abundance Mindset.” Very Well Mind, Dotdash Media, Inc. 24 March 2022, www.verywellmind.com/how-to-shift-from-a-scarcity-mindset-to-an-abundance-mindset-5220862.
Mani, Anandi, et al. “Poverty Impedes Cognitive Function.” Science, 341, 6149, August 2013, 976-980.
For Your Journal
Find It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a Bible verse. You can find a verse that fits a current life situation or use the one we used in today’s devotion.
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” — 1 Timothy 6:17
Fix It:
In this portion of your journal, pull out a few key words from the verse you chose above, or summarize the verse in your own words. Write it in pretty lettering or sketch something that will help you visualize the meaning of the verse and fix it in your mind. Repeat these words to yourself throughout the week to remind you of the truth contained in the scripture. Here are some options:
God richly provides
God wants me to enjoy life
Hope in God
Feel It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a prayer. The goal is to absorb the meaning of the Bible passage and let it take root in your heart. Ask the Lord to let his word change you by the power of his Spirit so that you begin to feel like the new person you’re becoming in Christ. Surrender any areas of your life that you are trying to control.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being a good provider. You see my needs, Lord. Help me to trust that you have all the resources and power to provide for me. Forgive me for worrying and getting stuck in a mindset of scarcity and fear. Help me remember that you will richly provide what I need! You are my provider, Jehovah Jireh. Let the reality of this sink into my heart and change me. Amen.