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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Trusting God's All-Sufficient Competence

What do you consider your most urgent need at this moment? Some of you would say financial need if there is not enough money to take care of necessities. Others would say healing for medical or emotion problems that are scary and critical. Relationship problems can evolve into a crisis.

Managing urgent needs one at a time can be accomplished, but encountering several simultaneously can be disconcerting. The old cliché, “Troubles often come in batches,” can be true. Medical problems can create financial problems, which compound the stress and strain experienced by the entire family.

One stress-reducer is trusting God’s all-sufficient competence. One name for God is El Shaddai. Listen to Philippians 4:19. "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." God will help regardless of the way your needs are defined. Present your needs to Christ Jesus right now and trust him to help.       

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And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.   

~1 Peter 5:10 English Standard Version

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