April 18: God's Faithful Provision

Philippians 4:4 says to always be full of joy in the Lord. I will say it again, rejoice!

While sheltering in place, I notice many blessings—God’s provision for me, my neighbors, and our country. Noticing each and thanking God for these things fill me with great joy and peace. My God is everywhere! In sheltering, I have more time to notice and reflect on so many of God’s blessings:

• Families coming together and connecting more than ever

• Finding creative solutions in cooking and managing activities

• Sending and receiving Scriptures

• Time to clean and re-organize my home and garden

• People turning to God

• People reconnecting and showing love and concern

• People shopping for food and medicines for their neighbors

• Stores opening at different hours, marking out distances, limiting people, and always trying to care for their staff and customers

• Our leaders trying to provide for the medical needs, for out of work people, for small businesses, for the elderly and the poor.

I see God‘s hand in these actions. I am full of joy, peace, contentment, and a thankful heart because I know God is in control. He brings good. I make an effort to see these blessings and thank and praise him for them.

I see God‘s presence when I intentionally choose to look for his blessings during times of both happiness and stress in my life. I feel it is so important to do this. It is a praise to God and it brings me joy and peace. For me being intentional and looking for God‘s blessings is delightful. I can see his hand in every detail of my life.

When times are stressful, I ask God to help me and I turn to the Scriptures for reassurance. For example, Psalm 91 says that those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest. 

In Job 23:12, Job says God’s words are treasured more than daily food. Isaiah 40:31 states that those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. In Acts 16:25, Paul praised and trusted in God in prison despite his circumstances.

I, too, trust God and want to praise him every moment of my life. I, too, am weak and need to lean into God during difficult times. In this difficult time, my heart swells with joy and gratitude that God has not only saved me but is involved in every detail of my life. So, I am always full of joy in the Lord. I will say it again, rejoice.

Shelter in Peace,

Cher Hampton