Hardship has a spiritual gravity all its own.  Many of us have experienced this polarity first hand.  It’s funny how blessings and abundance have a way of pushing us away from God – placing us in an orbit of independence and self-reliance.

Suffering seems to have an opposite affect.  It has a supernatural force behind it that draws us closer to God – gently pulling us toward an atmosphere where we long for God to be the center of our universe again.

A few years back, I personally experienced a form of this spiritual gravitational force.  Hardship entered my life in a dramatic way, so hard and sudden that it left me dazed and confused.  What I remember most about that time was developing an unquenchable thirst for God.  Most of my days were spent listening to internet Bible study programs, reading the Scriptures, and continually praying.  I was drawn to learn more about Him, who He was, what drove His decisions, and the role He played in my life.

I felt like the young couple you often saw driving down the highway years ago – sitting so close to each other you could barely fit a thin dime between them.  For me, being in the same car with God wasn’t good enough 🙂 I needed to be as close to Him as I could get!  Looking back at it now, it was so instinctual, truly like a spiritual gravity that acted in my behalf – placing me near God and giving me the ability to lean on Him daily.

During that period, I remember studying the various names of God found in the Bible – all in an effort to learn more about the traits that shaped His character toward mankind.

The one names of God that stuck out to me then and still does today is Jehovah-Jireh (or Yahweh-Yireh) – the God “who sees and will provide.”

The God Who Sees

What is happening in your life right now that you long for God to see?

Is it something hidden deep within your own heart – something you haven’t even shared with close friends or family?  Is it the hurt you’re experiencing within a relationship or an injustice you’ve been dealing with for years?  Maybe it’s the suffering you’ve experienced with disease or the devastation from a dream that has gone unfulfilled?

Whatever it may be, trust in Jehovah-Jireh!  Take comfort that He saw you before you were even born (Psalm 139:15) and keeps track of each tear that you cry (Psalm 56:8).  He knows you with such intimacy that even the hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:30) and He knows the path you currently walk in life (Job 23:10).  

Many times, in my own life, evil has convinced me that God is unaware or uninterested in my circumstances.  Fear can set in when we feel alone – falsely thinking that fate is controlling our destiny. 

Remember that nothing is hidden from Jehovah-Jireh!  Embrace the peace that comes with knowing He cares and is concerned with every detail of your life!

The God Who Provides

What is your greatest need right now?  Where is God’s providence needed most in your life?

Is it related to your health or well-being?  Maybe it’s a much needed financial break-through or some valuable insight into a family or business problem you face?  Could it be that your greatest need is simply a way out of your current circumstances or temptations?

Here’s a thought: Maybe your greatest need is something you are totally unaware of currently – something only Jehovah-Jireh can see?

I love how the meaning of Jehovah-Jireh emphasizes the assurance of provision.  It doesn’t mean the God “who sees and MIGHT provide”, or the God “who sees and HAS THE ABILITY to provide”.

No, Jehovah-Jireh is a God “who sees and WILL provide”!

Throughout scripture, God demonstrates His concern for our needs and His willingness to provide for them:

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.” (Isaiah 58:11)

“Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, and I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91: 14-16)

Today, I hope you spend some time looking at God in a new light.  My prayer is that you embrace the meaning behind Jehovah-Jireh – a name that so eloquently speaks to God’s omniscience and His determination to provide.

Trust that He sees all aspects of your life in the finest detail.  Sense His awareness of each step you take along your path – connecting to each hurt, each fear, and each concern you have.

Take confidence in His provision – readily and willingly providing for you even in the areas of your life that you cannot see right now.

God bless you today and always!