Is the thought of money keeping you awake right now? If so, you're not the only one.
Medical bills, mortgage payments, college tuition, retirement funds, grocery money, car repairs — these all require money, and they are realities in many of our lives. Whether an unexpected bill, sudden job loss, or the reality of barely scraping by is on your mind tonight, may you feel the peace of God flood your soul, for He provides for His children in mysterious, perfect, and loving ways.
Do you remember the story of Elisha and the widow (2 Kings 4:1-7)? The widow had no money, her husband left a massive amount of debt, and his creditor was threatening to take her sons for payment. Instead of raining money from the sky, God provided for her in a truly unique way. Elisha told her to go and ask her neighbors for empty jars and then pour oil into each jar. The oil kept flowing until all of the jars were full — and she asked for a lot of jars! Then, Elisha told her to sell the oil and pay off her debts, and there would be enough money left over for her and her sons to live off of.
What a story! The Lord multiplied the oil for the widow — and in providing through a rather obscure way, the widow and her sons were blessed abundantly.
As you lie awake, stressed about providing for yourself or your family, feeling burdened by the overwhelming sensation of not having "enough," reflect on the truths in God's Word instead of the worries in your mind.
He may not provide for you in the exact way you expect, but His way will always be good, and it will always be enough.
In Philippians, Paul said God will meet your every need (Philippians 4:19), and Jesus also said the Father loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). If you are a parent or have a special child in your life, reflect on the love you feel for him or her. You would do anything to satiate their needs, and you would probably go above and beyond. That is how the Lord is with His followers. That is how He feels about you.
Rest your head on your pillow, trusting that your Provider loves you like a father loves his children. Remember what the Lord has done for you in the past, and know that He is still with you now and in the future.
Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. — Mark 11:24
My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? — Matthew 6:26
Prayer
Lord, I feel so anxious tonight about having enough money. Help me trust that You are faithful to Your children and will provide for my every need. Give me strength to look heavenward toward You instead of at my bank account, for ultimately You are my provider.
Blessing
May God's Promises of provision give you peace tonight. May you fall asleep with a contented heart, knowing He will provide everything you need, in His time and in His perfect way.
Praise
Lord, I praise You for the promises in Your Word. Thank You for making it so clear in scripture that You will always meet my needs. I am so grateful for Your constant care and attention, and lift my heart in gratitude for all Your good gifts.
Excerpted with permission from God's Peace for When You Can't Sleep, copyright Thomas Nelson.
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