God’s Provision

Welcome! This week, we are in Chapter 2 “Provision…I Don’t Have Enough” of The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh.

I remember as a child learning the difference between something I need and something I want. It’s a lesson I’m passing on to my daughter, although our opinions of need vs. want are not always the same. Go figure.

I imagine the same conversations between me and God. And I have a feeling our opinions of what I need are often different as well.

God knows our needs. But when I’m caught up in the pressures of each day, I’m often focused in the wrong direction. I’m looking at the demands of the day—what I have to provide, what issues I can fix, how many things I can get done at once. But what I need is less of me. I need more of Him.

Don’t get me wrong, the demands each of us face in our lives are very real. He knows that and He promises to provide for us. Many times that will be in ways we don’t recognize.
“Each of us can get to the point where we are worn out stewing over how God will provide for us. But when we come to the end of ourselves, Jesus…calls. 'Come away with Me,' He says. 'Find a quiet place with Me. Rest here with Me.'” –Sheila Walsh, The Shelter of God’s Promises
Jesus offers us rest when we’re so tired we can’t think straight anymore.

He offers us time away with Him when we need the worldly pressures lifted from our shoulders.

Although I shouldn’t, I think sometimes I need to give myself permission to escape and let other things wait, while I allow myself time to recharge with Jesus.

I want one-on-one time with Jesus to be a priority in my life. But I’ll be honest with you…I need to work on it. A lot.

I could name plenty of excuses, but I won’t, because it doesn’t matter what they are.

When I don’t spend time with Him, I miss out on His provisions. Provisions I need to get through the day—His rest, His strength, His energy, His patience, His peace. The list goes on.

Jesus promises to provide what I need daily, but to enjoy it, I need to go to Him and let Him take care of me—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus! Philippians 4:19 CEV
Do you find it easy or difficult to get away with Jesus? To put life aside for awhile and let Him take care of you and provide for you?

In Christ,
Laura


25 comments:

  1. Hi Laura~ As a sinlge mom, I tend to find it is difficult for me to get away with Jesus. There always seems so much to do being "both" parents and when I do stop my mind seems to be on overload thining of the things that are coming up for me to take care of. However I am purposing to slow down and allow HIM to take over and provide for me daily, as I provide for my daughter!
    Great post and reminder!!! Thank you for sharing!!

    Blessings~
    Stacey

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    1. I hear you Stacey! I have been trying to find other ways to "get away with Jesus" when I'm not able to spend blocks of time with Him. I find myself having an ongoing conversation with Him all day, talking to Him while driving or waiting for my daughter after school. The more time I purpose to spend with Him, the more I'm trying to find additional time to be with Him.

      Thank you for your visit and comment!
      In Christ,
      Laura

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  2. Getting away with Jesus, that is the most precious gift we can give ourselves.

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  3. I love my morning time with Him. Some days it varies in length according to what time I get up, or how late the kids sleep, etc... but I strive to spend some time with Him daily, and boy do I miss it if I don't. I NEED Him! Without Him I am nothing!! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Hi Amy!
      Like you, I can really tell a difference when I don't take time to be with Jesus! (I imagine those around me can tell a difference too. lol) What a huge impact time with Him makes in my life, my attitude, my desire to live according to His Will.

      Thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts!
      In Christ,
      Laura

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    2. We are like flowers without water when we don't take time to refresh ourselves in the Lord.

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    3. That's a great description Wendy! That's how I feel...wilted and without energy, sometimes even lifeless...when I don't spend time with Jesus.

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  4. Hi Christie,
    Thank you so much! So glad to have "met" you!
    Blessings to you,
    Laura

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  5. "Do you find it easy or difficult to get away with Jesus? To put life aside for awhile and let Him take care of you and provide for you?"

    - Laura I am learning that if I don't come apart with the Lord regularly, I will simply come apart! I know spending time with the Lord is a lifeline for me to survive the pressures and trials that are part of life. I could not withstand the trials of the past 5 years had it not been for spending time in the presence of the Lord. Through spending time in God's presence, I have gained strength and encouragement to endure.

    "Do I find it difficult to set aside time with the Lord?"

    - Yes! I really have to discipline myself to set time aside with the Lord but not because I don't want to fellowship with the Lord or enjoy being in His presence (far from it) but rather because I am so easily distracted!

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    1. I know there are many times I would not have gotten through without God's presence in my life. In fact, it is in some of those really rough times when I learned how desperately I need Him, and time with Him!
      God bless Wendy!

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  6. I have learned to so enjoy myself when with the Lord, in my car, soaking in the tub, doing the dishes, relaxing on my deck... I can't imagine, and sometimes I do try to look back and recall those BC years - I don't want to forget from where he brought me but I also don't ever want to experience being without Him... As for those wants and needs... They sure change as you get older! Bless You!

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    1. I'm with you Kathleen...I'm learning it's better to be in constant communication with the Lord, and not just trying to schedule time with Him. But I want both! :)
      Thanks for your visit & comment!
      Blessings,
      Laura

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  7. I manage to find quiet time with Jesus, but am so grateful that I don't always have to get away with him, to know that He is always right here with me. I am amazed and encouraged by the ways that He is with me when I'm folding clothes, washing dishes, writing chapters, driving the car, singing praises in church, tucking in kiddos, and putting my weary head on the pillow. He is just.so.good to us.

    Grateful for your wise words here, Laura. You are a blessed and inspiring woman.

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    1. If I'm ever out of reach of the Lord, I know it's because I've moved away...not intentionally, but it happens. What a wonderful God we have that He is always with us, even during all of our everyday, ordinary minutes. In fact, I'm posting today on 5 Min. for Faith about this very topic.

      http://www.5minutesforfaith.com/8843/spending-time-with-him/

      Thank you so much for your kind words Jennifer!
      God bless,
      Laura

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  8. I'm totally craving a get-away with Jesus. Not one of those few hours type, but rather three days away with nothing. No cells, computers, agenda's, etc. Quiet time with Him is so fulfilling!

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    1. A get-away retreat with Jesus...I like that idea! God bless Alene!

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  9. I've learned I need to have it. In fact, when I'm having a bum day, my four year old will often ask "have you had your quiet time, mom?" ugh. Even he knows I can't do this thing called life without Him...

    what a beautiful post, friend!

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    1. Oh bummer. I was logged into my wrong account. Sorry, Laura. It's me ;)

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    2. I love it that your son will ask if you've had your quiet time with God. What a wonderful reminder for you and a Godly example for him!
      Thanks Nikki!

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  10. All week I have remembered Jesus' words "Come to me all you who are wearied and burdened and I will give you rest."

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    1. That's one of my favorite verses...I cling to it often!

      Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
      Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

      Thanks Sheri!

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