The Lord...Our Provider

"And Abraham called the name of this place Jehovah-ji reh."  Genesis 22:14A

What a sweet joy I receive when we have our cup of coffee together!  I have so looked forward to this visit and the chance to share my heart with you.

   Jehovah-ji reh

  He walked on in silence, his thoughts filling his mind, yet he was afraid to speak --- fearful of what he was being required to do.  Oh, how Abraham longed to tell Isaac what was being required of him.  As they neared the place of sacrifice, Isaac asked, "Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?"  Abraham's only response was that God would provide.  God did provide.  Jehovah-ji reh --- the Lord will provide.

  This is one of my favorite stories because of the way in which God provides for Abraham.  God does so in at least three ways:  temporally, emotionally, and spiritually.

  Abraham was trusting God in sacrificing his son, Isaac.  I'm sure he did not understand God's request, but he was obedient to what God asked him to do.  When the time drew near, God provided what Abraham needed.  Temporally...He provided a ram.  God know what our needs are and He delights in meeting those needs.  I use the word "needs" not "wants."  Yes, He will also give us "wants" sometimes, but He has promised to supply our needs.  See Phil. 4:19.  He is Jehovah-ji reh!

  God provides for us emotionally as well.  Just as Abraham's heart was wrenched, breaking, and hurting for his son, God knew Abraham's heart and when the test of obedience was complete, I know the Lord provided Abraham's heart with an abundance of love, trust, joy, and relief --- not only for his son, but also for the Lord.

  I love that God knows the depth of our heart.  Our emotions and our feelings do not surprise Him because that is where He does wonderful work.  He steps right in and provides for us as we work through the "things" in our life.  Through His help we discover the "right"emotions ---emotions for healing, for trusting, for loving and for knowing Him more intimately.  He is Jehovah-ji reh!

  I wonder if there was a time on the three-day journey when Abraham wanted to cry out to the Lord and ask Him if He was sure what He was doing?  "Lord, You gave me my son and now You are taking him from me?"  The story tells us how Abraham trusted in the Lord by doing what was asked of him.  He knew God's heart.

  Once again, the Lord provided in the time of need.  It is the same for us.  Spiritually ...trust in our Father more, believe Him, know His Word to be true, know He is Faithful.  As we know these things about our Father, we will grow more secure in our Father's love and our relationship with Him will deepen and be more intimate.

  Oh, how I hope and pray that you allow the Lord to meet your every need, whether temporal, emotional, or spiritual.  Remember that He is our Presider and now our second "P", our Provider.  He is Jehovah-ji reh!

  Think back to the ways God has provided for you.  If you have not ever written any of them down, take a few minutes now and do it.  Now thank Him and praise Him for taking care of you.  Be more aware of God's presiding and now His provision in your life and in your family's.

  This has been a special visit with you.