I am sensitive to the word need...
...but I haven't always been that way. My sensitivity kicked in more acutely after returning from our mission trip to Burundi last summer.
We use the world "need" in our vernacular so flippantly. I need this. I need that. I still say it sometimes, but when I do, I hear nails on a chalkboard in my ears.
Right now, God is really convicting me about my personal use of this little n-e-e-d word.
It's on my heart.
It's of the Lord.
And as He convicts, I know He is molding and shaping me to be more like Jesus.
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What needs do you struggle with?
Always wanting the newest or next thing?
Or always wanting "more?"
The need to change a situation?
The need to have a question answered?
Or (my personal favorite AKA my biggest struggle) the need to control?
We all struggle. We all worry. We all have sin. It's part of our makeup!
But God.
He gives us this promise in His Word [Philippians 4:19]:
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I love how Scripture is so specific here in regarding the use of the word all.
It doesn't say God shall supply some of our needs.
It doesn't say God shall supply most of our needs.
God will supply ALL of our needs.
And, just as Elisabeth Eliot said, "what we don't have now, we don't need now."
All I NEED is JESUS.
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| Pop on over to The Birdie Bowl to visit my sweet February sponsor, Khala! |
Great post! I grew up learning, from an early age, if we don't have it then we don't need it. I was always told if they need arose it would be provided by the one who needed to put us on earth. Now that I'm older I love that teaching! It lets you know as an individual God saw a need for you in his plan!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Challenged by it!! Thanks for sharing, girlie!
ReplyDeleteI think growing up in a developing country made me very sensitive to this word as well. It also made me not super compassionate to the "first world problems" people complain about...but that's a different issue. There's so much freedom in realizing that we all already have more than we need, and taking joy in God's provision.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this! I love it! Really hits home!
ReplyDeleteSo true. This is a great reminder as people living in this time we really don't need half the things we say we do... more than half in fact. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI love this! I came across that top quote a few weeks ago & it's definitely been convicting!! Love your heart!
ReplyDeleteI love this! This is something I've been struggling with lately as well! I love how simply, but powerfully you stated this!
ReplyDeleteAlways love it when ya share your heart!! I struggle this on the reg..the need to know what my future looks like and the need to try to fix everything. I have to remind myself ALL the time that what I really need is to just let go and know that God already knows everything and has it under control. More of Him and less of me ya know?!
ReplyDeleteOh, gosh. I struggle with this daily. We have cut way back the last year because we are in a transition in our lives--and I see how much we really don't need. I was telling my mom the other day that even though I'm not dropping $200 at target every week, we still have everything we NEED. We live so bare bones right now--and I'm so grateful for this season in our lives to show me the difference between want and need. Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. I agree that the world "need" is used too much. I can say that I most recently had the "need" to change a situation and so I did. I felt like there was no other choice. There's more about it on my blog. I do feel that there's a difference between "needing" material things and "needing" to change things to make yourself happier.
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Love this, the world definitely thinks we "need" more than we really do. Great reminder!
ReplyDeleteLovely reminder today! Thank you for that!
ReplyDeletePREACH. love this, sista. but i NEED you to get to NYC now...sorryyyyy.
ReplyDeleteI've been more sensitive to this word lately too. I agree, we use "need" in our vernacular all the time when really we should be using the word "want".
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post! I wish I could post your message to a million people who 'need' to hear it. Gavin and I have had this conversation a few times recently. Everyone gets too caught up in materialistic things and it almost becomes an obsession to have more. But more isn't what will make you happy.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Elise!! Such a good, and very important, reminder... We all need to be eternally minded! Xo
ReplyDeleteI just love your beautiful heart that is so full of God! Thank you for this simple reminder that my earthly needs compare to none of what God needs me to do...spread his word and his love. Happy Thursday sweet friend! xo, Alyssa
ReplyDeleteWhat we don't have now, we don't need now. I just LOVE THAT quote. Thank you for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteHow refreshing to read! You are absolutely right, all we NEED is Jesus. How often I forget this simple truth. I, too, struggle with having to control things -- most of which are way beyond my reach. God does provide for us, so I should stop worrying so much about x,y, or z. Thank you for such a wonderul reminder, Elise!
ReplyDeleteLove love this post. Thank you for letting God use you today! "The need to change a situation? Or (my personal favorite AKA my biggest struggle) the need to control?" .... wow, definitely hits home.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful quotes to remember about our Heavenly Father filling our needs :)
ReplyDeletexo TJ
http://www.hislittlelady.com
I love this! Your posts are always so uplifting to me--and just what I need to hear! XO
ReplyDeleteLove these thoughts girl! Need is not the same as want badly!
ReplyDeleteYES! Have you read the book 7 by Jen Hatmaker? It really, really changed around my views on "stuff". Super post, Elise.
ReplyDeleteElise, in Italian, and a lot of romance languages in order to say "I need" you have to actually but the verb "to have" in there. So you really are literally saying I have need. I'm fluent so I often think in both languages but I find just that extra word takes away a lot of entitlement I feel in my life, or from God. What do I really HAVE need for? Hope that makes sense. It's just so easy to say I need. One more word and I think a little bit harder.
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Need for control? Yep. That's me. It's something I have to give to God on a continual basis! Thank you for this post today, Elise. Such a wonderful reminder of God's graciousness and love.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! What a wonderful reminder that the Lord always provides.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Katelyn
http://realhousewifeofgreenville.blogspot.com/
You are incredible dollface! I can't help but to relate to this post entirely! I've noticed I use the word "need" more now that I blog and see all the pretty things other bloggers post about. I find myself thinking I need a $50 dollar planner when the $5 Target planner has done me just fine all along. It's the materials that get me. More than anything I know I NEED Christ. And with him I'll never need another thing in my life. Cheers to knowing and loving our Lord! And prayers that we will find completion in Him!
ReplyDeleteWow, such a great post! All I need is Jesus, and maybe a little bit of coffee is he wanted to pick me up some on the way :) Haha! I will now be more aware of my language and that I don't "need" anything; my God provides, so I lack for nothing.
ReplyDelete+ Marissa @ Awkwardly Marissa
this post speaks to me. I have to remember and remind myself quite often to let GOD control my day and my life. He will not let me stray in the wrong direction if I just let him lead. I love this post and thank you for the reminder...
ReplyDeletexxoo
So true… I need to be more sensitive to using this word. Its hard to see how blessed you really are sometimes until you take a step back! Thanks for the reminder :)
ReplyDeleteMmm this is good, Elise. I especially love that scripture- what a great reminder, friend.
ReplyDeleteVery powerful. My need to control is hard. I NEEDED to hear this today! Haha! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI agree that sometimes we do overuse the word need when what we really think we need is actually a want. I testify for sure and say that God will provide your needs. You may not have all your wants, but He will definitely make sure that you have what you need!
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