My God will fulfill every need of yours according to the riches of His glory in Messiah Yeshua [Jesus].  Philippians 4:19, TLV

My Bugaboo? Context.        Paul’s final words to the Philippian believers are so beautifully written. So worshipful. Yet, how many times have we “used” this—today’s verse—as our justification for our every “need.” All the while confusing needs with wants. Here’s the next verse:

To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen [so be it].  (vs.20, TLV)

And there it is.

All those wants that we have somehow translated into needs? How do they glorify our Heavenly Father?

When we think of the “riches” of our Father’s glory in His Son, it truly changes our priorities. Our Father’s glory was manifested in the sacrifices of His Son. For us. Isn’t that enough? Do we need anything else? Of course. Things like food, water, air . . .

Just as important, we also need His forgiveness, guidance, wisdom, hope, revelation, Holy Spirit, renewal, restoration . . . Those are some of the spiritual needs. But what about those other physical needs. We might need a vehicle to get to work. A job to support our family. Warm clothing in the winter. Good health. Plentiful harvest. Basics. Yet sometimes those aren’t a given, are they?

It’s hard to complain about car repairs when there are precious souls who walk miles for clean water. Or complain that we weren’t given the job we wanted because there was someone better qualified when there are souls who aren’t given basic rights because of the color of their skin.

Priorities and perspective. What gives glory to our God and Father?

Our best example will always be His Son. When we study and live what Jesus taught and lived, our priorities and perspectives will change. Challenges become teaching moments and opportunities to draw closer to our Father, to seek Him, to surrender to Him — even the needs we think we really need.

Context may seem like an inconvenience to our own agendas or theologies, but, in the long run it brings clarity and purpose as we walk this faith journey.

Think More About It

Do we sometimes confuse wants for needs? How does that play out in our faith journey?

May we seek His will and walk in Yeshua’s ways, my friends.

Pray for Israel—Prayer Prompt

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You.
Let those who love Your salvation
continually say: “ADONAI be magnified!”
But I—I am poor and needy—
yet my Lord is mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer—
O my God, do not delay! Psalm 40:17-18, TLV

“O my God, do not delay!” As we lift up Israel, may we cry out. In our plea let us also remember that ADONAI is to be magnified. Amen? God bless you.