Wants

Only as we truly delight in God is it safe to give us our desires, for then they are not likely to become idols.

John Eldredge, in The Journey of Desire

What do you want? Do you want more of something, or someone or all of it or them?  Well, I think you are in company with most people. Yes, we seem to always want for more. Is there a solution? Of course there is, I will buy it. Well, does that take care of our seemingly insatiable desires?  No it does not.

So what is the solution, “keep up with the Jones?” Or as Rockefeller answered when asked how much more did he need? “Just a little bit more.”  He was saying that would make him happy I guess. I wonder if it did or does?   Did you know that God has an answer for our needs?

Psalm 23: tells us, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.” OK, I need verification, a second opinion. How about Psalm 34:10, “But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” This Scripture is part of “wisdom literature.” So are Proverbs which tell us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct or make your paths smooth (straight).”(Proverbs 3:5-6). Really, seek the Lord.  I need another Psalm idea you say. How about Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of you heart.” Wow, this is getting pretty good if you can believe these poems or stories or whatever you call the Bible. I call them the inerrant and perfect Word of God. It was breathed out and inspired as holy for He is holy. And the content is designed to make us holy too. The Word of God was written to bring us light in the darkness, wisdom. It conveys the infallible promises of God.

Paul in Philippians 4:19 tells us that, “God will meet all of our needs in His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” In this passage he has been telling us that he has learned the secret of being content no matter what his need, hungry or well fed. God will supply for all our needs. Here is a phrase that might be difficult. Because it says all of our needs, not wants. We have wants that might not be what God wants for us. “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in draught” (Isaiah 58:11).

Because the Lord provides for all our needs, what are we to do? “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked that you cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:7).  If this is what the Lord wants of us, what will happen?  “Then your light shall break forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. The you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry and the Lord will say, ‘Here I am.” (Isaiah 58:8-9). The Apostle John asks the question, “But, whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (I John 3:17).

Perhaps in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus answers these needs questions ultimately for prayers for needs being met. Speaking of the Pharisees He says, “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:8).  Yes, He does and He will do it. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and not your own understanding.