I was figuring out my finances the other day and I made a list of needs. Being a Type-A personality, I divided my list into immediate needs (things I need to purchase from this paycheck) and needs to plan for. Before long, my list was huge! Staring at this giant list of unfulfilled needs was discouraging. After all; I work two jobs, how can I have so many needs?
Last night, as I was making the 40 minute drive to my second job I was considering these needs when this passage of scripture came to mind - Phillipians 4:19...
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
I joyed at the thought! What a relief! God will supply all my needs! And then it hit me...there's more to it. We can't look at that verse alone, we have to look at the entire context. Just before Paul writes that sentence to the people in Phillipi, he is sharing with them about being content in every circumstance.
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.
They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Reality hit me. I went back to my "need" list and reviewed. Yes, there are a few things that are true needs, but in reality, most of the list is composed of wants. My bills are paid. I have a roof over my head. I have running water. I have heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. I have food to eat and a car to drive. I have clothes to wear. I have an excess of "stuff" that surrounds me. Most importantly, I have the promise of eternal life with Jesus Christ. What I really need is to learn to be content! God has truly supplied all my needs! He has blessed me abundantly!
What a valuable lesson to remember. God has never let me go without my true needs being fulfilled. He takes care of everything I really NEED and often gives me my wants as well. Thank you Lord for supplying all my needs according to YOUR riches in glory!
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