"Provider," the first single from new Christian pop artist Cade Thompson, is so relatable and packed with truth. It's been resonating with audiences through various versions, including a Dirty Rice remix, as well as an 80s remix. I believe "Provider" connects with people because it speaks to something we all struggle with from time to time: remembering that God truly is our provider and identifying what that exactly means.
'Cuz what you give me Lord is more than I desire You're my Provider/When I lose my way You lead me through the fire You're my Provider
God takes care of our practical needs
I'm not forgotten I am a child, beloved/What you have given/Has always been enough
The most common way Christians tend to understand God as our provider is that He cares for our physical needs. And this is true. We see it all over the place in the Bible. In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks a lot about our needs and God's provision--especially when it comes to prayer and worry.
We learn that God knows our needs before we even ask Him. We learn that God cares about us and our needs. And He promises to care for us. He wants us to pray and ask Him to meet our needs. We can trust Him to make sure we have provisions for our lives, as we seek first His Kingdom above anything else.
In this chapter, Jesus also encourages us as believers that we don't have to worry about whether we'll have enough food or Mens Designer Clothing. It's so easy to worry about whether we'll be provided for, even in the most basic ways, isn't it? I don't know about you, but whenever I'm going through a challenging season financially, everything I know from Scripture and experience about God as my provider goes out the window. I start accusing Him of not caring about my situation. I worry about not having enough. And, I start doubting He will intervene and help me.
No matter what the situation, though, God is so faithful to bring our hearts back to His promises. We can cling to the truth in "Provider" and the Word of God. You're not forgotten; you are a child beloved. God is a good Father who cares for His children. Philippians 4:19 is another verse that bears this out well: "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God is our source of satisfaction
Why am I clutching and grabbing at all the things that I don't have/When You've given me everything/Why am I stuck in my feelings thinking I know what I deserve/When the answer is clear to me
Another way God provides for us is that He is our source of satisfaction in life. I think this aspect of God being our provider is often overlooked, so I love that Cade sings about it in this song.
I'm reminded of 1 John 2:15-17, which exhorts us not to seek fulfillment in the pleasures, cravings, and achievements of this world because they are fleeting and temporary. This passage reminds us of who truly fulfills us and what has eternal value: loving God and doing His will.
There's nothing wrong with enjoying the good things of this life as long as they don't contradict Scripture. (I'm a big music and entertainment geek myself.) But, as humans, we tend to look to the things of this world to bring us joy, peace, and fulfillment instead of getting that fulfillment from God. Just like He's faithful to get our hearts back on track when we lose sight of His practical provision, He is faithful to realign our hearts when we lose sight of His spiritual and emotional provision.
Final Word
I'm so grateful for "Provider" because I constantly need to be reminded of the truth of Scripture that God is our provider. I imagine the same is true for you, too. No matter the situation or season you find yourself in, God is constant. He is a loving Father who takes care of our needs and satisfies our souls.
NRT contributor Jasmin Patterson is a lifelong fan of Christian music who is passionate about helping others connect with Christ. She lives in Kansas City where she serves in college ministry and runs a blog to help seekers and believers discover and live biblical Christianity.
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