But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 KJV
Do you know the difference between needs and wants?
Every succeeding generation has a tougher time making the distinction. Consider my personal observation. When electric door locks came out for cars I snorted in disdain “If the day ever comes when I can’t push four buttons down to lock my car …” Or this faintly remembered statement: “It’s just wimps that can’t put up with a little heat. Who needs an air conditioned car?”
Not only have I eaten those words but my present list of ‘needs that are critical to my basic survival’ now includes not only air conditioning and power door locks, but a navigation system as well. So before my very eyes the frivolous moved into the ‘want’ column and now reside comfortably in the ‘need’ category.
Are we suckers or what? In these last six months of our pastorate we find ourselves living in a hundred year old farmhouse where the kitchen has just one electrical outlet and there isn’t a garbage disposal, microwave or dishwasher in sight.
Have our lives ground to a halt by the absence of these ‘essentials?’ Interestingly, no. We have discovered that a couple of must-have items in our lives have fallen back into the ‘it-would-be-nice-to-have’ classification. And do you know what? I believe God smiles at such a revelation.
This week, let’s make it a bit easier for God to come through with his promise to meet our needs by separating them from the ever growing list of entitlements that come from an ambitious and unsatisfied heart, not so much from a grateful one.
Remember, if we lost it all … everything … but kept Jesus, we’d have everything we need.
May you find joy (and contentment) for your journey!
Pastor Paul