by Martha June

I have been camped out in the Old Testament this year unintentionally. Reading a chapter a day, it is slow, but a beautiful reminder that God’s encouragement to you and me is on every page. Nehemiah has been the man of the hour in my quiet time, the king’s cupbearer turned wall builder and restorer of a destroyed Jerusalem. Just the other morning, I reached the end of the building process and read Nehemiah chapter 11. In that chapter, the Israelites decided who would return to the city. This included those who would be taking care of the temple; this is the verse I found.

“For there was a command from the king concerning them, and a fixed provision for the singers as every day required.”

Nehemiah 11:23

For some reason the singers were given this “fixed provision.” And I found that phrase echoing in my mind and heart for a couple of days afterwards. It reminded me of a provision the Lord fixed for his people as they wandered in the desert for 40 years.

Take the time to read Exodus chapter 16.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they walk in the law or not.”

Exodus 16:4

The Lord said He would feed his people as they wandered. A day’s portion is all they were allotted “morning by morning.” It goes without saying that they had to trust that God would provide for their daily portion; that is it. No “storing up” for the week, their needs would be met daily, and that was that.

Now I know a couple of things about the Lord. First, I know God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). I know that He provided for his people, just what they needed in the desert. And I know that he will provide for my every need. The Bible says as much.

Take time to read Phillipians 4:10-23 God’s Provision

That being said, I have rarely taken my time with the Lord as his fixed provision for me. My daily portion to trust that the Lord will provide what I need of his spirit each day. He is the only one who knows what each day holds. He knows what I will require. Have I collected my “fixed provision?”

I believe that my king has given me a fixed provision, as every day requires. My job is to gather that provision and take hold of the daily gift of the Lord’s spirit, sufficient for each day. I believe the same for you.

Did you catch this verse in Philippians 4?

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

He is a God known historically for meeting the needs, physically and spiritually, of his people. And He can be known for that in your life if you but surrender your needs to Him.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously without reproach, and it will be given to him”

James 1:5

He has already provided a “fixed provision” through the blood of Jesus for our salvation! And for those who have trusted in Christ’s perfect blood, he has a provision ready, I believe, for those that ask.

Will you claim your fixed provision today?

Sincerely,

Martha June Kelly