Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's goodness is a central theme throughout the Bible, and one of the ways it is most tangibly expressed is through His provision for the temporal needs of His creation. This aspect of divine goodness underscores God's care and concern for the physical well-being of humanity, reflecting His nature as a loving and benevolent Creator.Biblical Foundation The Bible is replete with examples and teachings that illustrate God's provision for the temporal needs of His people. In the Old Testament, God's provision is evident in the account of the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite their disobedience and complaints, God provided manna from heaven to sustain them. Exodus 16:4 states, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day.'" In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes God's provision in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:31-33 , He instructs, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." God's Provision in Nature The natural world itself is a testament to God's provision. Psalm 104 beautifully describes how God sustains all living creatures. Verses 27-28 declare, "All creatures look to You to give them their food in due season. When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things." This provision is not limited to humanity but extends to all of creation, demonstrating God's comprehensive care and the interconnectedness of His creation. Examples of God's Provision 1. Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath: In 1 Kings 17, during a time of severe drought, God provides for Elijah through a widow who had only a handful of flour and a little oil. God miraculously ensures that her supplies do not run out, as promised in 1 Kings 17:14 : "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.’" 2. Feeding of the Five Thousand: In the Gospels, Jesus miraculously feeds a multitude with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating God's ability to provide abundantly beyond human limitations. Mark 6:41-42 recounts, "Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to His disciples to set before the people, and He divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied." Principles of Trust and Gratitude The biblical narrative encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to respond with gratitude. Philippians 4:19 assures, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." This promise invites believers to rely on God's faithfulness and to recognize His hand in their daily sustenance. Furthermore, the Bible calls for a response of gratitude and stewardship. In 1 Timothy 6:17-18 , Paul advises, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share." Conclusion The goodness of God, as manifested in supplying temporal wants, is a profound expression of His love and care for His creation. Through both miraculous interventions and the natural order, God provides for the needs of His people, inviting them to trust in His provision and to live lives marked by gratitude and generosity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 14:17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. Concerning Good, Light, Beauty, Love, Ecstasy, Jealousy, and that ... Lives of Faith and Trust Chapter iii Christian Devotedness, Etc. From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Resources What does it mean to taste and see that the Lord is good in Psalm 34:8? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is finite godism? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to do good unto all men in Galatians 6:10? | GotQuestions.org Goodness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Goodness of God is Part of his Character The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Abundant The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Enduring The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Great The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Rich The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Satisfying The Goodness of God: Declared to Be: Universal The Goodness of God: Manifested in Doing Good The Goodness of God: Manifested in Forgiving Sins The Goodness of God: Manifested in Providing for the Poor The Goodness of God: Manifested in Supplying Temporal Wants The Goodness of God: Manifested: Despise Not The Goodness of God: Manifested: Leads to Repentance The Goodness of God: Manifested: Magnify The Goodness of God: Manifested: Pray for the Manifestation of The Goodness of God: Manifested: Recognize, in his Dealings The Goodness of God: Manifested: Reverence The Goodness of God: Manifested: The Wicked Disregard The Goodness of God: Manifested: To his Church The Goodness of God: Manifested: Urge Others to Confide In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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