Needs and Wants

  A lot of people have what is called a "wish list."  These are things that they wished they had but probably can't afford to get.  They have seen the item and then came to the conclusion that they wanted them.  All of these things are those items that we "want" but may not necessarily need in order to get by.  The contrast is the list of those things that we need.  We feel that we cannot possibly get by without them.  While working at a large grocery store in Northern Virginia, I noticed that every time the weatherman would forecast snow, people would flock to the store and fill up their carts with those things that they felt the needed in order to get through the storm.  Every check out line was busy and the lines would reach far down the aisles.  Milk was one of those things that people felt that they needed.  Many would buy far more than they would ever used but they were fearful that they wouldn't be able to get out of the house.  At times, it seems to be difficult to determine what things we "want" and what things we really "need."  Philippians 4:19 says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."   
     The Philippians had given much to the ministry of Paul.  As a result, they found themselves to be in need of some basic things.  Paul reminded them here that God would provide all of their needs and that He would provide it "according to" His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  There was one thing for sure.  God was going to supply that which they needed.  This doesn't mean that people will get all of their wants but it certainly means that God will supply their needs.  As I look back through my life and as you do the same, we all realize that God has never left us in need.  In the end, He supplied our needs.  It is equally true that sometimes, we were hard pressed right up to the last moment, but God always provided.  We also realize that God doesn't always answer in the way in which we think He should.  It may be necessary for us to learn that what we thought was a need was just merely a "want."  God always supplied the needs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  God supplied the needs for the Israelites in the wilderness.  God supplied the needs of Elijah and Elisha.  God supplied the needs of the apostles and God supplied the needs of the Philippian believers.  Since God has always been faithful in the supplying of needs, there is no reason why we should be fearful today about our needs.  God will provide.  Praise Him today for His working in your life and for the fact that you have all that you need.