The term “Jehovah Jireh” originates from Genesis 22:14. This phrase was spoken by Abraham when he obediently prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac as commanded by God. Despite the daunting task, Abraham’s faith in God’s provision remained steadfast. God ultimately provides a ram as a substitute sacrifice, leading Abraham to name the place “The Lord Will Provide.”The significance of Jehovah Jireh lies in its affirmation of God’s character as a provider. It speaks of God’s faithfulness to meet the needs of His people, even in the most challenging circumstances. This story foreshadows God’s ultimate provision through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, demonstrating His unfailing love and care for humanity.
My favorite phrase in Genesis 22 is verse 12, when God said to Abraham, ‘Now I know that you love me more than all these.’
Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
When our desires align with God’s will and we seek to follow Him faithfully, He will provide for us and fulfill our desires.
Jesus simplifies this, urging us to prioritise God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and He promised to cater to our needs.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matt 6:33
Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on . . . Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they . . .” Instead of worrying, the Bible instructs us to make our requests known to God in prayer (Phil 4:4-8). However, we must have right motives when making requests to God. God wouldnt be a party to greed and lust! James 4:3 says,
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
The Psalmist proclaims that the Lord is his shepherd; he shall lack nothing. God leads him to green pastures. Yes, God also leads us to meet our needs. Yet, we must trust in God and submit to His will; with this, we have the assurance that He will guide us. Prov 3:5-6 says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
I want to encourage you today: delight in the Lord, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and He will guide you into green pastures. His word assures you that He will meet your needs.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk