In Times of Need – God's Grace

What is perceived as an absolute need deserves more concern than what is wanted to make life more enjoyable. As a teenager my niece aspired to be a hospital pharmacist. Like most college students, she needed encouragement as she struggled with a difficult curriculum, but with self-discipline she completed the degree requirements.

God intended for our needs to be satisfied independently and by others. Our needs for intimacy and companionship can be realized only in healthy relationships. If needs transform into demands, resentment may evolve into exasperation and alienate the one attempting to fulfill those demands.

Unmet need may evolve into discontent and sadness. However, God promises to meet your needs, but not just what you want. Hebrews 4:16 is encouraging. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  This invitation is to trust God for all your needs.  

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The Lord is righteous in all he does, merciful in all his acts. He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity. He supplies the needs of those who honor him; he hears their cries and saves them.

~Psalm 145:17-19 Good News Bible

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When Needs Become Demands

Undertaking a new project must include a list of priorities to ensure there will be the means for seeing the project through to completion. Each advancement should safeguard this objective. Human beings structure their lives around important needs, but our spiritual need to be connected with God should supersede all others.

Needs that are anchored in hope strive to be satisfied at some level. One thing parents have in their favor is children’s need to please their parents. On occasions, this need may produce conflict. However, if a need evolves into a demand, it's analogous to saying, "I have this need and you had better fulfill it!”

If a humble and prayerful petition to God becomes a demand, he may comply with that demand, but withhold his blessing so the demand becomes oppositional to what is needed. Jesus reminds us that God knows our needs before we ask, and he desires to fulfill our needs. What a wonderful blessing to trust and rest in that knowledge.  

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Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well what you need, and he will [fulfill your needs] if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.

~Matthew 6:32-33 The Living 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.