Needs vs. Wants — Michelle Blan
You ate no bread and drank no wine or other alcoholic drink, but he provided for you so you would know that he is the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 29:6
I think it is absolutely normal to want things, isn’t it? It is something we are all guilty of in one way or another. It may be a new kitchen gadget or outfit. It could be something big, like a new car or a home. Then again, we may want things like more time to read, more money, more vacation time, the ability to sign up for a cooking class, and so forth.
These wants can be chalked away on a wish list somewhere or constantly floating in the back of your mind. Some of us may verbalize our wants while others simply silently hope for our wants to one day be more feasible.
It’s not just about money, either. Those who have it still want more. The, if only I had a job that paid more money… line doesn’t ever provide a means to an end of wants. You start making more money, you have a list of even greater wants.
Its a cycle. And, for some people, it leads to depression, sadness, gloom, and despair.
Sounds a bit petty and ridiculous, doesn’t it? But it is oh so true. See, we tend to get in this mindset that we need those wants. We can’t feed our family healthy meals unless we take that expensive cooking class. Or, we can’t relax and rejuvenate unless we go on a vacation of a lifetime.
If only… then life will be happy and I will feel fulfilled.💭
What?! No! Stop right there. ✋🏻 That is where we mess up each and every time. This woe is me attitude doesn’t get us anywhere. After all, look at Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She wanted everything now – the whole world – and she didn’t want to share. She was so determined to get that golden egg that she found herself tossed away in the garbage chute where all the bad eggs went.
You were put on this Earth by God for a reason. Why would the Most High create you and leave you to die? He gives us what we need. He alwaysgives us what we need. Our wants, on the other hand, are questionable. Don’t get the two mixed up.
Think about Moses leading the Israelites from Egypt. They were slaves that he was leading them to freedom – and to the Promised Land – based on God’s instructions and guidance. Like, God chose Moses to save them specifically — and what did they do? They complained! Come on! You are right on God’s radar and being cared for by him and you want to throw a tantrum. Oh my. Manna would fall from the sky so they always had something to eat. We first learn about this in Exodus 16:14-15.“When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Isrealites were puzzled when they saw it. “What is it?” they asked each other. They had no idea what it was. And Moses told them, “It is the food the LORD has given you to eat.”
God had given them food in the middle of the forest. It may not have been the meal they wanted, but it was the nourishment they needed. And, when they were thirsty, God instructed Moses, in Exodus 17:6, “Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.”So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.
It was water, not wine. But it quenched their thirst.
Do you see where I am going with this? Life is not about us. We have a God who looks out for us so that we may do what we need to to serve Him. If we spend all this time focusing on the things we want, how much time are we not focused on God?
You are on God’s radar, too. Just like the Isrealites. In reading Exodus, we want to roll our eyes at their behavior, right? Well, let’s take a hard look in the mirror. Are we complaining? Is what God is providing us enough? Do we have needs that aren’t met? Or, are they really wants?
He’s got you. And me. All of us. Trust him. Have faith that he will provide and fulfill your needs.
Until next time…❤❤
