As we continue looking at the Abundant Life, remember we said the definition of abundance is, “an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply: overflowing fullness: affluence; wealth.” That being said, what is considered enough? From where do we start? In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul tells us that God supplies ALL our needs. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (CSB)
Notice Paul says that God supplies our NEEDS, not our wants. I think in many people’s minds their wants tend to be listed under their needs when in reality, they don’t really NEED that thing. When my nephew was just a little guy, he would always tell my Dad, “Grandpa I NEED a mint, I have stinky breath!” When really, it was just a want because he loved breath mints and thought they were candy. What was funny was how he emphasized the word NEED! Like he was desperate for a mint! Some people look at the things of this world much in the same way. They are so convinced that they desperately need the latest and greatest thing when if you questioned them on it, they really didn’t need it, they just wanted it.
We need to realize that God has already supplied all that we need. Family, food, clothing, health, housing, transportation, and most of all His love! As I was doing my Bible Journaling, I decided to list the things that I need the most. My family is at the top of my list. Right now, I am really needing to be close to family. My husband and I both, are far away from our families, and sometimes it makes it difficult for us. God has graciously supplied me with a church family though, and they have been awesome. When I needed help, they have always stepped up to help me. God knew my needs then and He knows the desires of my heart now.
As I am thinking of my desire to move closer to family, I’ve been looking at what I have, and do I want to move all that stuff! I am thinking of what I need (or want) to move with us. I am realizing that there is so much I can do without. We are considering downsizing to the point of maybe living out of our RV. As long as we have a roof over our heads, food to eat, good health, and transportation…we’re good.
When we sit down and evaluate what our needs are and what are our wants, the list of needs tends to be smaller than we think, and we realize that all we need, we already have. God knows what we need, and He graciously supplies. Luke tells us that when we look to Jesus first, our needs will be met. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” (Luke 12:31 NLT) When our hearts are in the right place, it puts us in the position of being able to receive God’s blessings. When we seek after the things of God rather than the things of this world, we find that what we receive from God far surpasses anything this world can give us.
So today, we need to ask ourselves, “How much is enough?” We need to take stock of our needs and our wants. Is there something we can do without? Why not let God supply those things that are needed in our lives? We may just find that our lives will be filled with peace and contentment as we look to Jesus to supply every need.
donnasmusings 