What You want to Have Is Rarely What You Ought To Have.
”My God shall supply all your need according to His riches.”
Philippians 4:19
My thoughts and comments today are about,
“wants versus needs.”
Needs and desires present a challenge to learn that they are distinct and different. Each of us is a unique combination of both. Be wise and discerning. Your insistent desires can pose themselves as legitimate needs. The challenge appears to be our lack of ability to distinguish between our ample wants and our authentic needs. Often, you and I become confused by their apparent similarities. What you want to have is rarely what you ought to have. I can think of times when I wasted valuable energy and expense to get what I wanted only to find that was not at all what I needed.
Your knowledge of God’s Word and your sensitivity and submission to the Holy Spirit are essential. The Bible is clear, ”And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14 NKJV. That amazing offer has a qualifying intention. You must not lose sight of Heaven’s priority. And your priority should be the same, “That the Father may be glorified.”
Everything is not about you or me. Get over yourself. First and foremost, your life as well as mine are for His pleasure and purpose. Humility and deferred satisfaction are invaluable to the soul. Invoking the Lord’s name should be done appropriately. Those words are the solemn confession of covenant. Be cautious about misusing that incredible privilege of access to all that our Father has offers.
The problem lies in the fact that we are earth bound and shortsighted. The Apostle Paul provided practical counsel and solution for our dilemma, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2 NKJV. Perspective clarifies priority. I love the simplicity and beauty of a worship chorus from earlier years. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” So true. So reorienting. So restoring. Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV. The Holy Spirit sees and knows your heart.
Jesus has a single priority in all things, “that the Father may be glorified.” That never changes, no matter how determined you may be in your asking. The Bible is clear, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3 NIV. God will supply your needs but never promised to always provide your wants. While in a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul’s testimony was this: “I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little.” Philippians 4:11 The Message. That is the simple secret to a contented life. Be careful that your requests are not delivered as requirements, to either God or man. Not yet does not mean never. Not yet may just mean not now. Trust in God’s impeccable timing and unfailing generosity.
My prayer for you today is to be thankful for what you have, and trust God for what you need. His love and character are forever, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NKJV.
EDL Communications 2019
Website and archives: allenrandolph.com