Needs and Wants

Chuckle: "The trouble with being a leader is that you can't be sure whether people are following you or chasing you!"

Quote: “Lord, for tomorrow and its needs, I do not pray; Keep me, my God, from the stain of sin, Just for today.” --Mary Xavier

"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" (Philippians 4:19 NLT).

We sometimes have a difficult time distinguishing between our wants and our needs. As a society, we have become spoiled because of the abundant material blessings God has given us. As we read passages of Scripture about how God will supply our needs, we can drift into thinking that God should supply our wants as well. Expecting God to provide each and everything we desire shows a lack of understanding concerning God's promise to us. We may not always have all we want, but by trusting in our Lord, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything in sight to accepting God's provision with sincere gratitude.

Jesus was teaching His followers not to worry about their basic needs like food, water, and clothing. Then He laid out a condition for God's meeting these basic needs. "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after those things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matt. 6:31-33 NIV).

God owns all things, knows all things, and sees all things. He is keenly aware of the needs in your life and mine. In fact, God often provides even before we become aware of our needs. As a pastor, I have been amazed at the number of testimonies from people about God's goodness as He ministers to their needs. We can trust God in all areas of life and that He will meet not only our physical needs, but emotional and spiritual needs as well. God even gave Paul the courage to face death. He will meet your need for comfort and peace when you lose a loved one. He will give you strength and peace to help you deal with a serious illness.

Paul's words: " . . for I have learned to be get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT).

Notice that Paul had learned to be happy and content. Learning is a process of growing in faith. Have you learned to place God's kingdom and His righteousness first in your life? Have you learned to take God at His word about meeting your basic needs? Have you learned to be content and trust our Lord in every situation?

Love, Jerry & Dotse