Once, a long time ago, we were in a very tight economic season. I had recently lost my fairly well-paying position, the bills were stacking up and I was feeling rather desperate. New to the idea of God being aware of my daily trials, I decided to raise my hands over the bills, that were spread over the table, and pray with tears and earnest honesty for help. At the end of the day, nearly the exact amount we were short came in the form of a harvest check from my husband's "hobby." Timing, wow. Now, I could not deny that God heard me on that plea. Provision.
This next verse of thanks is better illustrated if surrounded by the verses before and after (since it's rather lengthy, I chose to simplify it a bit by giving the New Living Translation of the Bible (NLT):
Provisions for Temple Worship
44"On that day men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the offerings, the first part of the harvest, and the tithes. They were responsible to collect from the fields outside the towns the portions required by the Law for the priests and Levites. For all the people of Judah took joy in the priests and Levites and their work. 45They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as commanded by David and his son Solomon, and so did the singers and the gatekeepers. 46The custom of having choir directors to lead the choirs in hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God began long ago in the days of David and Asaph. 47So now, in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel brought a daily supply of food for the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Levites. The Levites, in turn, gave a portion of what they received to the priests, the descendants of Aaron."
Nehemiah 12:44-47 NLT
From Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary I found this very enlightening:
The people were more careful than they had been of the maintenance of their ministers. The people, at the dedication of the wall, among other things which they made matter of their joy, rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited, v. 44. They had a great deal of comfort in their ministers, and were glad of them. When they observed how diligently they waited, and what pains they took in their work, they rejoiced in them. Note, The surest way for ministers to recommend themselves to their people, and gain an interest in their affections, is to wait on their ministry (Rom. 12:7*), to be humble and industrious, and to mind their business. When these did so the people thought nothing too much to do for them, to encourage them.
From the portion of the book of Romans about Living Sacrifices (the verse from above):
*"If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach" Romans 12:7
When God is glorified with thanksgiving and praise, and when He is pleased with the sacrificial work of His people - His servants, blessings come. God is the giver of all good things. He loves us and takes great care in providing for our needs. Let us open up our hearts so we can see His hands at work in our lives with His loving provision every moment of every day. Then take it to the next level and be used to provide for others.
Like these people of Judah, we too can joyfully care for the needs of the church, it's servants, our neighbors, our family... Provision doesn't have to be limited to money or food. Sometimes provision is a smile, a prayer, opening the door for someone, giving that much needed break to that mother of small children, listening with a non-judging open heart, wiping a tear or a tender, understanding, silent hug.
Give thanks, be joyfully generous and be used.
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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