Trusting God's Provision

by Jennifer Stovall on November 18

"For the Lord God is our sun and shield; He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what right” Psalm 84:11.

Over the weekend, a sneaky, negative thought crept in during a challenging moment. "What if this never gets better?" When we allow these thoughts to linger unchecked, they can grow into doubt, despair, and discouragement. But God led me to a passage in Psalms, reminding me how I can trust His goodness. I hope this encourages you in situations you feel may never get better.

In this beautiful verse, we are reminded of two profound truths about God: He is both our sun and our shield. The imagery of God as the sun speaks to His role as the source of light, warmth, and life itself. Just as the sun nourishes the earth and brings clarity to our days, God illuminates our paths, providing guidance and hope. No matter how dark a situation may seem, His light can break through, giving us clarity and a renewed sense of direction.

He is also our shield—our protector. Life often throws challenges and battles our way, but God stands as a barrier between us and harm. His protection doesn't mean we won’t face difficulties, but it means we are never left defenseless. We can trust that He is watching over us, providing safety and security in ways we often cannot see.

The verse continues with a powerful promise: "He gives us grace and glory." Grace is the unearned favor of God, freely given. It's the mercy that sustains us through our struggles and imperfections. Glory, on the other hand, speaks to the honor and reward that come from living a life that pleases God. He not only covers us with His grace but also promises to lift us up, granting us the glory of living in His presence and reflecting His goodness.

Finally, the promise at the end of the verse is incredibly reassuring: "The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."This does not mean we will always get what we want or that life will be easy. Instead, it means that God, in His perfect wisdom, will not withhold what is truly good for us. Sometimes, we may not understand His timing or His ways, but we can rest in the assurance that if something is good for us—if it will ultimately help us grow, bless us, or draw us closer to Him—God will provide it.

Reflection:

● Are there areas you need to trust God’s light to guide you through uncertainty?

● How can you rely on Him as your shield, especially during difficult times?

● In what ways has God shown you grace recently, and how can you reflect that grace to others?

● Are there good things you’re waiting for? How can you trust that God will provide what you need in His perfect timing?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being both my sun and my shield. You guide me through life’s darkest moments and protect me from harm. Help me to trust in Your grace and glory, knowing that You will never withhold what is truly good for me. Strengthen my faith to walk in righteousness, believing that Your provision and protection are always with me. Amen.

Jennifer is a member of South Ridge Church and a life coach. Find her on Instagram at: https://bit.ly/JennLC