You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalm 145:16
“But if thou art reduced to want by such benevolence, what then? What indeed, except to pray with all confidence unto Him who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not (James 1:5), who openeth His hand and filleth all things living with plenteousness (Psalm 145:16). For doubtless He that giveth to most men more than they need will not fail thee as to the necessaries of life, even as He hath promised: ‘Seek ye the Kingdom of God, and all those things shall be added unto you’ (Luke 12:31). God freely promises all things needful to those who deny themselves for love of their neighbors; and to bear the yoke of modesty and sobriety, rather than to let sin reign in our mortal body (Romans 6:12), that is indeed to seek the Kingdom of God and to implore His aid against the tyranny of sin. It is surely justice to share our natural gifts with those who share our nature.”
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) excerpt from Chapter Eight of On Loving God (Grand Rapids: CCEL), p. 19.
For the next few days we turn to the idea of what is ‘needful’ in this classic work by Bernard of Clairvaux.
He beckons us not to fear if our generosity puts us in a placed that we are reduced to want. He cites numerous biblical texts to remind us that God will care for us as we care for our neighbors.
Fear keeps many people from living, giving, serving, and loving generously. So, how do we overcome it?
We remind ourselves what is true. We share our natural gifts with those who share our nature because God has instructed us to do this and promised to care for us when we do. Do you live like you believe this?
I find that I don’t experience God’s provision until obedience leads me to a place where I need it.