My first job when I left home was at a waterpark. The challenge of working at a waterpark was when it rained, they closed the park and we didn’t get paid. One stretch, it rained multiple days and things were really tight financially. My roommates all worked at the same waterpark, so we were all affected. I sat in church that Sunday and felt convicted to be generous, but I knew it was going to stretch me until the next pay period. I gave anyway and prayed that God would help meet my needs.
I’ll never forget getting home after church. On our front door were several bags of groceries someone had dropped off. I grilled my roommates and nobody had any idea where the food came from. Nobody had shared about how tight things were. We never did learn who gave us such a generous gift. It was a physical reminder I’ve taken with me all my life. God will take care of His people, often in surprising ways.
When resources get scarce, it feels like you can’t relax. The worry eats away at your physical, mental, and emotional health. Living day-to-day or paycheck-to-paycheck can break you down in a lot of ways, but it can also free you. As you see God show up each day and you thank Him each day, it frees you from the weight of the world being on your shoulders. God uses times of scarcity to give us more of Himself. More of His help. More of His love. More of His direct action in our lives. Check out this detail about manna, this bread from heaven, as it is described in the text:
“The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers” Exodus 16:31 (NLT).
It tasted like honey. It tasted good. It was sweet. God was giving them more than basic food for their basic needs. This was special. It was enjoyable. It didn’t just meet their physical needs but their mental and emotional needs, as well. Who doesn’t want a honey wafer for breakfast?
One of my favorite verses is in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk:
“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT).
There is power in rejoicing...even though. Even though my checking account balance is low, I will rejoice in the God who provides what I need daily. Even though I am facing issues too big for me to figure out, I will rejoice in the God of wisdom. Even though I am scared of what the future may hold, I will rejoice in the God who holds that future. He is the God of the even though. Rejoice in Him today! Celebrate His provision. Give thanks for all the ways He has moved in your life. And if you're in the wilderness right now, take heart. God will surprise you with more of Himself. He is the God who provides.
Pause and Reflect
- What has God blessed you with that may appear basic but is actually good and sweet?
- What can you rejoice in God for today?
