Needs Compared to Wants

When we take time to examine our needs as compared to what we actually have, how can we help but be thankful for what God provides? However, there tends to be a relationship between our lack of dependency on God and the desire to satisfy our own needs for ourselves.

Everyone, with few exceptions, searches for a better life. Yet those first immigrants who came to America set aside time to celebrate and be thankful for what God provided. Jesus said, "I've come that you may have life abundantly." That does not mean an abundance of things, but of peace, joy, forgiveness, and eternal life with God. 

Jesus also said, "I am the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep." No matter how extensive our possessions, El Shaddai, the “all-sufficient God,” is able to provide adequately for what wealth cannot offer. That should give us a thankful heart filled with gratitude and the desire to praise God for his kindness.                            

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Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

~1 Chronicles 16:8-9 English Standard Version

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Meeting Difficult Challenges

Difficult times are unavoidable regardless of social class, wealth or race. I believe we’re expected to go out and meet the challenges and rewards of each day with courage while realizing there are risks that must be confronted. Giving thanks to God for his presence and strength to face  life’s issues produces courage to confront moral battles.

Moral courage must be supported by godly beliefs and values to prevent violating one’s conscience. Moral courage is required when danger is apparent, even overwhelming. Samson consistently exhibited courage to face his enemies but seemingly failed to thank God for his unusual strength, without which his victories would have been impossible.

He once faced an army when his only weapon was the jawbone of a donkey. His raw courage, paralleled by unusual strength from the Spirit of the Lord, gave him victory. Yet he only hesitantly accredited God for his victory. Whatever you’re facing today, thank God for being a very present help as you battle life’s issues.  

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“Be strong! Be courageous!...Don’t be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; he will not fail nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 The Living Bible

 

Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. Sing praise to the Lord; tell the wonderful things he has done.

~1 Chronicles 16:8-9 Good News Bible

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.