God's Riches

Philippians 4:19 - And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

In the world of Christianity, this Philippians verse is one of our favorites. We love to rest on the promise that God will supply all of our needs. Often though, we reduce the grandeur of His supply by defining these “riches” solely as monetary. This verse is found in the context of Paul praising the generosity of the Philippian believers. It seems clear that they have given monetarily to Paul but their gifts may have included other supply as well – Paul speaks of their sacrificial giving in the plural, implying not just a single monetary gift was received. But then he assures them that the Father will, from His riches, repay them where need may now be found because of their generosity.

In the Greek, this word “riches” is rooted in the concept of fulfilling, supplying, and furnishing, and is defined as wealth (as fullness), money, and possessions in the literal sense. Figuratively it speaks of abundance, richness, and valuable “bestowment”. This would support the theory that the gifting of the Philippians was not only monetary.

Merriam-Webster defines “riches” as follows:

1. large amounts of money and possessions [we typically think of this definition first]

2. good things that are available to use or choose

3. things that make one rich (wealth)

The riches of God certainly do include monetary blessings. However, His riches are not limited to finances. In the fullness of relationship with the Father, we learn that if we need grace, favor, shelter, transportation, health, wisdom, empathy, protection, insight, employment, clothing, safety, love, peace, joy, kindness, sensitivity, relationship, etc., He can supply it! These things are part of the richness of our God. In fact, James teaches us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) God is the Giver of all good gifts and He never changes!!! Hallelujah!

Dear heart, our Father, who is the Supplier of all of our needs, will not be found lacking. In relationship with the Father, there is richness to be realized! May you, first and foremost, seek His will and desire for you when you face need in your life – whether it is revealed through circumstances (like needing finances to pay a bill) or through His direct revelation to you (like you need to have more compassion toward that irritating co-worker). When we come to Him seeking His will and desire, He withholds nothing. He is rich. And one final word:

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. (1 Corinthians 9:10&11)