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(Presented by Lisa Bishop)
When you hear the word generosity, what comes to mind? We tend to think of generosity in terms of money or giving of our material blessings. And while that is true and as followers of Jesus, we are called to be generous with our finances, generosity has far greater meaning than money.
Consider this: Generosity is a mindset. Being generous is an attitude of heart. It’s a way of being, a lifestyle from which your thoughts, words and your actions flow.
Are you living with a mind and heart set on being generous? Are you living a lifestyle of generosity?
It will be difficult to live a lifestyle of generosity if you have a scarcity mindset. When you don’t think you have enough of something, the tendency will be to hold what you do have with a tight grip. I have often found myself living from scarcity rather than living from the truth that God is generous. He does not withhold anything good from me. He does not withhold anything good from you.
Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” (ESV).
I love the reminder of the truth that God is a generous God. We see more evidence in Philippians 4:19 which says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (ESV).
Notice the apostle Paul’s words “my God will supply every need.” I know sometimes it doesn’t feel like God is supplying your every need. You ask for things and pray for things that do not get answered in the way you want or the timing you anticipate and then you decide that God withholds good things.
But God doesn’t withhold. He cannot go against his nature. You have to train your mind and heart to look for his provision in every circumstance and realize while it may be packaged differently than you would have imagined, God is always providing. He is always supplying for your every need because that is who he is.
Is there an area of your life that you feel God is withholding something good from you?
Take time to talk to Jesus. Share your disappointment. Rehearse what is true, that God doesn’t withhold from you. Ask him to help you see and experience his generosity and all of the ways he is providing for you in this season.