How can believers cultivate faith to overcome fear of scarcity? Psalm 37:19 – God’s Assurance of Supply “They will not be disgraced in evil times; in days of famine they will be satisfied.” Seeing Scarcity Through God’s Eyes • Scripture treats “famine” as a real possibility, yet simultaneously calls it a setting for God’s faithfulness. • The verse speaks literally: even when cupboards look bare, the Lord secures His own. • Scarcity is a test of sight. We can stare at the shelf, or we can “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). • Other steadying promises: – Psalm 34:9–10 “Fear the LORD, you His saints... those who seek the LORD will lack no good thing.” – Philippians 4:19 “My God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Cultivating Faith That Overrides Fear 1. Anchor in the Word • Daily reading keeps God’s track record front-and-center. • Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” 2. Remember Past Provision • Keep a written log of answered prayers and unexpected supplies. • Deuteronomy 8:2 reminds Israel to recall “all the way” the LORD led them. 3. Practice Generosity When It Feels Counter-intuitive • Proverbs 11:24 “One gives freely, yet gains even more.” • 2 Corinthians 9:8 “God is able to make all grace abound to you… having all you need, you will abound in every good work.” 4. Replace Worry With Thankful Prayer • Philippians 4:6–7: petition plus thanksgiving ushers in peace that “guards” the heart. 5. Obey Promptly • Psalm 37:3 “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” Obedience positions us under the spout of blessing. Practical Steps for Everyday Life • Set aside firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9–10). Giving before spending declares trust in divine economy. • Create a “famine budget” that intentionally leaves margin for generosity. • Speak Scripture aloud when fear creeps in: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). • Fast occasionally. Choosing voluntary lack trains the soul to lean on God when involuntary lack threatens. • Surround yourself with faith-affirming voices—testimonies, hymns, fellowship. Promises to Memorize and Meditate On • Matthew 6:31–33 – The Father knows your needs; seek first His kingdom. • Psalm 84:11 – “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” • Isaiah 58:11 – “The LORD will continually guide you and satisfy your desire in scorched places.” • Malachi 3:10 – “Test Me… see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” Living Psalm 37:19 Today • When headlines scream shortage, rehearse God’s guarantee: “In days of famine they will be satisfied.” • Move from theoretical belief to practical expectancy—plan, give, and act as though the promise is true, because it is. • The result is a quiet heart, freed from the tyranny of scarcity, able to focus on loving God and neighbor with open hands. |
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