Maybe, you just received the news—you’ve been laid off from your job. The paycheck around which you build your world is suddenly gone.

Or maybe, you are a business owner, and the company’s revenue isn’t where it needs to be. If revenue stays down, the business will go under. You are wondering what the next few months will look like for you.

Or maybe, you’ve searched and searched for work. Even though it feels like you’ve sent out a thousand resumes, you never hear back from the companies. And the few interviews you landed did not result in a job. Now the money in your bank account is almost completely gone.

Or maybe, inflation is crushing your paycheck. You are more cautious with your food purchases that ever before, but it does not seem to help. As you watch your children eat dinner, you wonder how this scene will look in a few months.

These are real concerns faced by many. Today, people are wondering where their next paycheck will come from. They question how they will provide for their family. They are unsure what the next year, month, or even week will look like. If you are not facing a moment like this today, just wait. They happen to all of us.

It is during these times we are reminded that God is the ultimate provider. He knows our needs in greater detail than we do, and He gives according to what He knows is best. He can be trusted.

Throughout Scripture, we find God showing Himself as the Provider and calling us to put our hope in Him. Here are nine verses that encourage us to trust in God’s provision.

1. 1 Kings 17:13-16

Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah. (NIV)

The lesson from 1 Kings 17:13-16: God will make good on all His promises.

2. Psalm 37:3-6

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (NIV)

The lesson from Psalm 37:3-6: Those who trust in God and follow Him will find the desires of their hearts met.

3. Jeremiah 17:7-8

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (NIV)

The lesson from Jeremiah 17:7-8: Those who have placed their confidence in God will find themselves spiritually thriving, even when they are physically lacking.

4. Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (NIV)

The lesson from Matthew 6:26: God views us as having significant value and will provide for us in the way He deems best for us and His glory.

5. Matthew 6:31-32

So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. (NIV)

The lesson from Matthew 6:31-32: Worry over physical needs demonstrates a lack of trust in God’s provision.

6. Matthew 7:11

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (NIV)

Lesson from Matthew 7:11: God loves for you is greater than the love you have for your children, and He will care for you accordingly.  

7. Luke 12:7

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV)

Lesson from Luke 12:7: God is aware of your plight. He knows every detail about you, including the difficulties you currently face.

8. 2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (NIV)

Lesson from 2 Corinthians 9:8: God can provide what you need to be a blessing to those around you.

9. Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Lesson from Philippians 4:19: God will care for those who love Him and participate in the gospel ministry.

God is the ultimate provider. While Scripture does not promise to make every Christian financially wealthy, meet every want, or heal every hurt, the Bible does tell us that God will provide for our needs in a way that is best for us and best for His glory.

He knows when you lack physical needs. He knows when you are concerned about your next paycheck. He knows, and He cares. Prayerfully present your concerns to God and trust that He will, like a good father, provide in a way that is best.