In Need

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. -Matthew 5:3

Have your parents ever responded to your statement, “I need _____*request for money to buy popular item or go eat with friends*_____” by saying, “That’s a want, not a need!”.

I know my dad certainly did. The funny thing was he usually said it as he either handed me the money for my request or followed it up with a phrase like, “You don’t need that, you have _____*not the thing I asked for*_____ right here!”

I could ask for money to go shopping and he would say something like, “You don’t need that! You’re beautiful just the way you are!”

*Insert non-eye roll because I’m an obedient daughter here*

See, my dad was able to see past the request to my actual need. He knew that a request for new shoes was really the need for acceptance. And that the desire to go out at night was about quality time with my friends. (Now don’t get me wrong; my parents made sure that I was in budget and safe, etc. They said “no” more than once!)

When we make requests of the Lord, He hears them knowing that sometimes it’s easier for us to express our wants than bring to the surface and put words to our needs.

He often responds to us very much like my parents used to respond to me. At times, He gives us our wants, knowing that in our immaturity, we can’t always express what we really need. Other times, He goes straight to the heart of the matter, pointing out both our need and His ability to fill that need.

Take this verse in Matthew 5. When we express our need, He comes in with Kingdom resources. In our need, all that is joy and peace and rest and financial provision and love and health – it’s all ours.

So what are you in need of? Look below the surface of your wants. What can He come in with His Kingdom resources to provide for you? Don’t be afraid. You can’t get what you don’t ask for!

– Alissa Beall