Life 90.5 listeners are loving Maverick City Music’s song “Jireh.” It’s quickly become an anthem we sing with our kids and grandkids as we belt it out our car windows. In another blog post, we explored the meaning of the name Jehovah Jireh in addition to a couple other important titles. To recap, in Genesis 22, God was given the name Jehovah Jireh after He provided a ram as a last minute substitution for a sacrifice. The name appropriately means “The Lord will provide.” Still today, there are many benefits in looking to God as our provider, beyond the most essential provision of Jesus Christ as a sacrifice on our behalf. Together, let’s look at 4 things that happen in our lives when we lean on Him to provide for us.
WE ARE CONTENT
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
The last part of that passage is a verse often quoted in reference to our achievements. We think we can do well on a test or ace an interview by His strength, and He can certainly help us remember what we’ve studied and give our best first impressions. However, according to the context of the verse, it’s more about our attitudes than our accomplishments.
In this portion of his letter to the Philippians, Paul describes living in extreme circumstances including hunger and poverty. But he found the strength to endure any situation with his Savior. Like Paul, we can be content because Jesus gives us strength no matter our circumstances. Whatever Jehovah Jireh provides, we can be satisfied.
WE GET PEACE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
According to a recent report, 64% of the U.S. population lives paycheck to paycheck in 2022. So when it comes to our personal finances, it’s likely that you deal with some level of worry. What if your spouse loses their job? What if a kid or a pet gets sick? What if the car breaks down?
When we know God as our Jehovah Jireh, we know that we don’t have to worry about these things. We can pray with thanksgiving, giving our problems to God. Then He will gladly exchange our anxiety for His incredible peace while He handles the issue so much better than we ever could.
RELATED: What Does the Bible Say About Peace? 3 Reliable Promises
WE CAN FOCUS ON OUR MISSION
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
God has given each of us a mission. Love God, love our neighbors, share the gospel and make disciples. In His infinite wisdom, He knows that we can’t accomplish that mission if we are too preoccupied with chasing our every need. Thankfully, our Jehovah Jireh promises to continue being the kind heavenly Father He is, providing us with what we need as we walk in obedience.
WE SEE GOD'S KINDNESS AS JEHOVAH JIREH
“Jireh” singer Chandler Moore shares a story of what the song means to him:
At 4am, 4 days prior to recording "Jireh" my apartment, at the time, caught on fire. Lost 98% of my material things. Was supposed to be in my apartment that morning. I was scheduled to fly out of town at 8am. But switched up and left a day early to try to catch a church service ... that I ended up missing (figure that lol hey Holy Spirit). This literally could’ve went another way for ya boy. Point is: I’m alive. Lost 98% of my material things, and it’s frustrating, but I have LIFE. The Lord is SO kind.
Moore lost everything. But because He knows God as his provider, his Jehovah Jireh, he can praise God wholeheartedly. When His miraculous kindness is on full display as it was in Moore’s life, we can’t help but be thankful for the life He sustains.
WHAT DOES KNOWING GOD AS JEHOVAH JIREH DO FOR YOU?
How has knowing His provision impacted you? Do you have a story to share of how God miraculously provided for you? Tell us in the comments below!
