As promised here's a devotional I wrote to accompany this week's memory verse. I am challenging myself to do this every week in an effort to work on my book, A Daily Word.
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Needs: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches.” Philippians 4:19
How many times have you heard the phrase, “Is that a want or a need?” My Mom used to say that to me when I wanted to spend money and it aggravated me so much. However, like most phrases our parents annoy us with as children, I find myself repeating it to myself as I walk through Target. Every time I’m in that wonderland of cute, inexpensive, brightly colored eye candy I have to play that recording in my head. There are so many wants and needs in our society…some material, some spiritual, some relational.
Throughout Scripture, God promises to provide what we need with his unlimited resources, His glorious riches. He knows our needs more deeply than we do and He assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him. I just spoke with a friend last night who had a need for a large sum of money in order to purchase a building for their ministry. They had no idea how the money would be provided, but they knew that God would provide it in His time, in His power. They received a phone call yesterday and on the other end of the line was someone willing to pay for the building. Yes, God will supply all you need to do His work. Period. End of Story.
Many of us still have unmet needs, so what are we to think about that? Well, we must evaluate whether our request is a want or a need, a longing or a necessity. Ask the Lord to help you discern between desires and essentials and be open to what He reveals to you. Sometimes there’s a role you must play in order for God to meet your needs. If you need a job then you must make effort and connections to find one. If you need healing in a relationship then you must be willing to take ownership of your actions and words.
Another key to having our needs met is to wait on God’s timing. Oftentimes He has lessons for His children to learn during the wait, and until those lessons are learned He cannot fully supply what He has planned for us. Fight the urge to press ahead of God’s plans and purpose to get the outcome you’re praying for. Believe He has a good plan for you, but waiting is a part of it. Embrace it and ask Him to reveal what His purpose is while waiting on His timing.
Be encouraged that the Creator of the Universe, the King of Kings, our Father in Heaven knows each and every hope you have, whether it’s a want or need. He has the power to bless you with His glorious riches and He will provide for each and every need you have in your life. Examine your desires everyday and ask Him to give you exactly what you need for that day. Keep your eyes and heart focused on Him, so that you may differentiate between wants and needs. Then find comfort and courage in knowing that He has the power to provide everything you need to accomplish His purpose for your life.
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