Stepping Stones: I Need…..God

Transformational Thought

We just finished sweet 16 birthday parties for my middle daughter, Nicole. She even gets us to celebrate her half-birthday in April. She was blessed with nice gifts from friends and a good chunk of gift money, so we asked her if she had anything in mind to buy. She started, “Dad, I need a …” then stopped as she saw that reflexive look on my face when I hear, “I need…” And so she restated, “Dad, I would like to get an iPod touch so baldy.”

I need a ride. I need some love. I need some sleep. I need an answer. I need some money. I need a man. I need a drink. I need that part. I need my Starbucks. I need to scream. I need to take charge. I need to put my spouse/kid down. I need a job. I need a break. I need help. I need a touchdown. We were all needy…in fact, we were born very needy. We all need a ….SAVIOR. However, there are two types of people; those who are needy and recognize their real insufficiencies, and those who are needy but are totally unaware of their real inadequacies, and think they need many superficial things.

Recognizing the extent of your need for God is a blessing. Even though Satan tries to distract us from recognizing our need for God, we know we can’t meet all our needs by ourselves or through the trappings of this world. We do know, deep inside, the breadth and depth of our need. But, recognition is only half the battle. The other half is turning to Him rather than to idolatrous substitutes to fill our emptiness, to give us purpose or identity, or to soothe our hurts.

Turning to our Lord with daily intentionality will always be a challenge for us…will always be the toughest part of the battle. Why? For the first 10-20 years of our life, we were conditioned to take care of ourselves, to become independent. As adults, we are constantly bombarded and influenced by the heaviness of this fallen world. We choose immediate comfort over real and lasting sustenance. While on this earth you will have to contend with this spiritual-emotional “gravity” pulling you away from Him.

Today, when you face an “I need” moment, stop and ask God to show you whether it is a need or a want. If you are honest, the answer should be fairly clear. Next, exert some self-control over your initial comfort-driven impulse, and try to really address the underlying issue. Then look to His instruction manual to find what He has promised and provided for you. Remember, immediate answers aren’t necessary and you really can handle waiting if you will recognize His power and sovereignty. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, With each passing day, I recognize how desperately I need You. I do want You to be the center of my life…and I am trying to keep You there. But You know, Father, how easily I get distracted…how my thoughts wander away from You. I grope for You, Father; I need Your help, all the time. Help me understand those distractions as idols and help me learn how to close my ears to their falsely soothing coos. I pray these words in the name of the One who died for all my needs, Jesus Christ; and all God’s people say - AMEN!

The Truth
But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Matthew 4:4

So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
Acts 17:27

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress. Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes; for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.
Proverbs 6:23-26