Riches in Jesus

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

This verse was part of a letter written to the Philippian church while Paul was imprisoned. He was reaching out to people who had demonstrated concern for him and supported him financially on more than one occasion.

In the first few verses of Chapter 4, he described them as brothers and sisters, and he talked about his love and longing for them. He described them as his joy and crown. He encouraged them to be unified and to stand firm in the Lord. These were people who had loved him and helped spread the cause of Christ.

Paul saw them as family. God sees us the same way.

When Paul encouraged them in verse 19 that God would supply all of their needs, he was speaking to people who had given to the Lord, perhaps even sacrificially. Despite the fact that their giving to the Lord may have been difficult and resulted in hardship, he still encouraged them to do so, knowing that God has abundant riches with which He can meet their needs. Paul was a loving shepherd who trusted that there is tremendous value in the lessons that can sometimes only be learned through hardship.

If you read the other letters that Paul wrote to the churches, he usually opened them by saying, “Grace, mercy and peace to you.” His prayers for the people were asking that they would grow in the attributes of God, which would give them strength to live a fulfilling life in Christ…not necessarily financial provision and a life of ease. While God definitely can and does meet our financial needs, there is much more to be gained beyond that.

As a new widow, I know that hardship firsthand. I can tell you that concerns for practical things like finances and what our future will look like without my husband are definitely on my mind.

However, the peace that God has given surpasses those concerns. I have the history of His faithfulness to draw from.

I have knowledge of His love for me and my children.

I am blessed with wisdom by hearing the testimonies of those who have gone before me.

I treasure His Word that reminds me of God’s power and provision.

I am surrounded not only by an angelic army, but also by an army of God’s people who I know pray for us.

These are the riches of Christ Jesus that will last and prevail no matter what your circumstances. Grace, mercy, peace and hope are treasures that can never be taken from you. Seek them, and watch what He does in the other areas of your life as well!

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Throughout 2024, every Monday morning by 7:00 AM, we will post a new video from Pastor Shane or an article written by a member of our staff that connects to that month’s featured promise. Learn more.