God’s adequate supply of our needs
God’s adequate supply of our needs Philippians 4:19 “My God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Extra Reading: Philippians 4:1-23
God gave Adam a significant and authoritative role at creation. God also ensured that he enjoys as sense of safety and security. All his needs were provided for (Genesis 1:29). God made sure that Adam was completely cared for in the areas of personal food supplies and plenty food for the animals. He had an opportunity to eat of the tree of life and live forever in God’s presence. He lacked nothing. This man enjoyed God’s goodness in its fullness. I would regard Adam as fortunate to be cared for by God in this way. Someone once said to me that the human being is widely seen today as a bundle of needs. Is it not a materialistic definition of a human being? I thought so. It is good to have needs and see them adequately met. We should be aware that needs may result from progress as a country develops or from manipulation by advertisers. Advertisers are popular for creating ‘wants’ rather than ‘needs’. We live in societies where pleasure and personal autonomy are highly valued. Advertisers are fond of saying:
“You need this new type of car.” “You need this new brand of coffee or chocolate.” They know very well that they will succeed in creating a ‘want’ in you. Politicians don’t fall far off as well. They will tell you, “You need to vote for Mr. or Ms. so and so to get the party winning.” In psychology circles we are told that people need work, love and affirmation. Marriage is seen as a mutual meeting of needs, and when either or both partners cannot meet the other’s psychological needs, divorce is deemed justifiable. I don’t think it is appropriate for us to look at the human being as a bundle of needs, and life the project of meeting those needs. The reason for this approach is that people want to live their lives outside of God, and think they can manage life without Him. Be aware that much talking about ‘needs’ is only rhetoric: we do not need everything that advertisers, therapists, psychologists, governments and other agencies tell us we need. We all know that needs imply action. If you have a need, it must be met. But God challenges us to trust Him to meet our daily needs. Secular society does not look at life that way. Many needs, especially those derived from humanistic psychology, are believed to reside within the individual self. Thy therefore provide an apparently objective way of talking about an otherwise very subjective self. Feelings and desires are also at play here. The question is, “Do we really know our true, felt needs?” Not many people know. They confuse ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ and they end up with long unanswered prayers from God. God knows our real needs. Our approach should be to let Him know about our needs and ask Him to meet them according to His way and in His time.
The biggest challenge we face as modern society is that we want to see our prayers answered now or today. Otherwise, we resort to helping ourselves to meet our selfish needs. We need to take time to wait on God and trust Him to help us meet our needs. Let today’s Scripture ring true in your heart, spirit and mind. God is willing to meet your needs today. Keep asking and be willing to wait. God is faithful. He will not deny His children the best gifts they deserve. Praise His name!
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you are willing to meet our needs. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Rev. Samuel N. Modise
