Our Best Provider
by Annie Yorty
We live in rapidly changing and uncertain times. Election season brings a spate of pie-in-the-sky promises for much-needed security. How can we be sure who will be our best provider?
An Evolving Philosophy
I’m too young to remember John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in January, 1961. Within his brief speech, Kennedy declared the success or failure of the United States depended on the citizens. He summed up his appeal with a now-famous quote. “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country” (John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961).
In this election year of hyper politics, we hear the opposite of Kennedy’s sentiments. The prevailing question has changed from “What can you do for your country?” to “What will my country (in the form of the current administration) do for me and my group?”
Political parties have done their best to slice and dice the population into intricately intersected groups based on a wide variety of distinctions:
Ethnicity
Religious views
Age/Generation
Gender—however it’s defined
Sexual practices
Geographical regions
Economic status
Environmental beliefs (we could include this in religion)
Urban/Suburban/Rural
Citizenship
An Unreliable Provider
Our political leaders seize on the opportunity given them by a population with open hands and a “gimme” attitude. Wild promises of debt “forgiveness,” no taxes on certain types of wages, price controls, guaranteed loans, free abortions, homebuyer assistance, and every other conceivable scheme corrupt the discussion of policies.
Maybe you’re now wondering how this political topic relates to my usual theme of perceiving God.
Hang in there with me.
I feel the creep of entitlement mentality as more and more of America’s taxpayer dollars are doled out to carefully intersected interest groups. Perhaps you, too, feel like you should claim some for yourself or someone you love.
As a purely political warning, I would say, “Beware.” Government handouts always have strings.
But politics are temporal. I’m much more concerned about our eternal condition.
To the extent we expect or hope in the government to meet our needs, have we diminished our reliance on God?
Our Faithful Provider
From Genesis to Revelation, God repeats a declaration of love for, and responsibility toward, His people. In His instructions to Moses after He freed His people from slavery, God said. “I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people” (Leviticus 26:12 NLT).
This statement means we can rely on our good Father in heaven to be our God—to love us with an everlasting love that compels Him to provide for all our needs.
He gives us freedom to accept or reject this wonderful gift offered through His Son, Jesus. If by grace we have received salvation from condemnation for our sins, our daily choice should be to trust only God for our needs.
Instead of holding out our hands to the government for our share of the political booty, we can reach out to Father God for all we need. He welcomes our empty hands because He delights in the opportunity to lavishly provide for us.
Unlike governmental handouts, God’s provision is free from manipulation. He always desires only the best for us. Why would we want to accept stingy human rations when we can receive God’s abundance?
To the extent we expect or hope in the government to meet our needs, have we diminished our reliance on God? #ourbestprovider #annieyorty Share on XYour Choice
Now some may be wondering how, or if, Christians should involve themselves in politics or government. Though we live with eternity in view, God has placed us in this time and space to shine His light into every corner of our world—even government. Each person must seek God’s Word and His will for answers about their participation.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5 NLT)
Friends, we can’t do much good for our country if we don’t depend fully on God as our provider. When a sense of earthly entitlement invades your thinking, turn to Him with outstretched hands. Depend only upon the One who will perfectly provide for our needs.
Join the conversation:
How have you seen God as the best provider for your needs during a period of uncertainty?
I welcome your comments.
Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty
13 Comments
Amy
Are you of the opinion that Christians who have real needs, should not accept assistance from government when they qualify? I believe that Our provider is always God, but sometimes He may use people to provided for His children. I think there can be a definite abuse of government assistance, but even the Israelites were taught to provide for the poor in various ways.
God is also our physician, but He may use doctors to do His work. The problem is when doctors become our idol. I think the important thing to keep in mind in these areas is to always seek God first in prayer and for wisdom, and to be sure whatever measures you use or accept in a particular situation are not sinful, always filtering decisions through the word and if unsure-ask a trustworthy Christian friend or Pastor.
Annie Yorty
Amy, thank you for adding your thoughts to the conversation. Your overarching point about seeking God for each decision we make reminds us to be 100% dependent on Him. Like you, I believe God provides through human and institutional means such as doctors or government. I would also like the Church to become far more active in meeting the needs of those who cannot care for themselves, such as the poor, orphaned, widowed, and disabled. God bless you!
Maggie Wallem Rowe
Annie, you expressed so well similar thoughts to what I’ve been having about the upcoming election. So many voters seem to be focused on what the government will do for them in particular rather than the wellbeing of our fellow countrymen. Thank you.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for visiting, Maggie. Of course, we should expect our government to work for the good of the people. Unfortunately, the proper biblical role for government has fallen by the wayside and people expect political leaders to take care of every human condition. If we continue to look to the government to meet our needs, we will never be satisfied. Blessings to you!
Nancy E. Head
It seems that right after JFK made that statement, we went the other way. II Chronicles is our path back to God. Thanks, Annie. God bless!
Annie Yorty
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT). Thank you, Nancy.
Katherine Pasour
I’ll be so relieved when the election is over–and like many others–I’m praying that we will elect leaders with moral integrity, who are led by our Lord to seek and do His will. Thank you for addressing a tough subject, Annie.
Annie Yorty
Katherine, I join you in prayer for the upcoming election. I’m so thankful God is always in control. We can trust Him to work out His perfect plan for this world. God bless you!
Debbie Wilson
Annie, we certainly have shfited to a “what have you done for me lately,” attitude. I read James Garlow’s book Well Versed this summer. I learned so much about our constitution and Christian responsibiltites. His new book, Re-Versed, came out recently. I haven’t gotten to it yet. I feel every beleiver needs to be informed on what the Bible says about our current issues. God is very practical!
Annie Yorty
Amen, Debbie. The Bible’s wisdom is always relevant to our everyday lives. Thanks for visiting and sharing this resource.
Joanna Eccles
Thanks for the reminder that God is our Provider and is also Sovereign over all the earth. Most appreciated.
Annie Yorty
Praise the Lord! Thanks for visiting, Joanna.
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