In the Christian tradition, the concept of natural life encompasses the physical and material aspects of existence that God has graciously provided for humanity. The Bible encourages believers to be thankful for the supply of their needs, recognizing that every provision is a gift from God. This gratitude is not only an acknowledgment of God's generosity but also an expression of trust in His continued care and provision.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible is replete with passages that highlight God's provision for the needs of His creation. In the Book of Genesis, God is depicted as the ultimate provider, creating a world that is abundant and sufficient for human life. Genesis 1:29 states, "Then God said, 'Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food.'" This verse underscores the idea that God has equipped the earth with resources to sustain human life.

Daily Provision

The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus, includes a petition for daily sustenance: "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). This request reflects a dependence on God for the necessities of life and a recognition that He is the source of all provision. The prayer encourages believers to live with a spirit of gratitude for the daily needs that are met by God's hand.

Contentment and Gratitude

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks to the importance of contentment and gratitude for God's provision. Philippians 4:11-12 reads, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need." Paul's words remind believers that contentment is found not in the abundance of possessions but in the sufficiency of God's provision.

Trust in God's Provision

The Sermon on the Mount further emphasizes trust in God's provision. Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about their material needs, assuring them of God's care. Matthew 6:31-33 states, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans strive after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual lives, trusting that God will meet their physical needs.

Generosity and Sharing

The Bible also calls believers to reflect God's generosity by sharing their resources with others. In 2 Corinthians 9:8 , Paul writes, "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." This verse highlights the idea that God's provision enables believers to be generous, using their resources to bless others and further God's work on earth.

Conclusion

The biblical call to be thankful for the supply of natural life's wants is a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision. By cultivating a heart of gratitude, believers acknowledge God's sovereignty and express their trust in His ongoing care.Genesis 48:15
And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long to this day,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Old Store an the New
... No doubt there is a natural love of change deep in us all, but that is held in check
by its opposite, and all ... So the law for life is thankful enjoyment of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the old store an the.htm

The Believer not an Orphan. "I Will not Leave You Comfortless: I ...
... He died, but all the more truly full of life because He ... It is so natural in little
children, when some big boy ... of comfort to me, I had been thankful, but Thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the believer not an orphan.htm

The Power of Feeble Faith
... Quite legitimate and natural at first, it must grow into something nobler when it ...
the joy of her life, and shall make of that life a thankful sacrifice to Him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the power of feeble faith.htm

The Cry for Bread
... The reason why any natural substance has properties is by reason of ... Then the prayer
is a pledge of thankful recognition of ... It brings God very near to all life. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the cry for bread.htm

Three Kinds Op Praying
... here, they are but too likely to take the life out of ... of every one else, which is
the natural result of ... Bernard notes, he was not so much thankful for being ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/three kinds op praying.htm

Jesus Declares Himself.
... that this was a thing to be thankful for: "I ... Him our devotion as well as show it
in our life. ... Persons are differently constituted, and what is natural to one ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/x jesus declares himself.htm

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the Beloved Physician. "
... the most intelligent Latin writers, in his Natural History, says ... say whether he ought
not to be thankful that he ... We find that spiritual life and death are in ...
/.../chapter ii colossians 4 14 luke.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... that which will most advance the divine life and promote ... for evermore) in the suspension
of natural laws, but ... or, does it mean that with thankful hearts to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

The Son of Man
... nor unwilling to taste, with pure and thankful lip, whatever ... in man's path through
the supply of natural appetites. ... to minister, and to give His life a ransom ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the son of man.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... he adopted"as a child cries"the natural expression of ... He is thankful to have a little
spending money on ... Ye that are beginning life"you that want to know ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.org

Is there life after death? | GotQuestions.org

Life: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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