Absolute needs

My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.        — Philippians 4:19

From our first breath until our last, we have few truly essential needs. Without oxygen, we would perish in minutes. We must have food and water. Our bodies, when exhausted, require rest. And in harsh weather, we must seek shelter. So, while we are needy creatures, our basic needs are few.

When it comes to our wants, however, there seems to be no limit. Indeed, the entire advertising industry is devoted to expanding our “needs.”

But what about those basic needs we overlook? What about our need for the Bread of Life and the living water of God’s truth? What about our need for spiritual fellowship that gives strength, hope, peace, and comfort? The vague dissatisfaction so many people experience is really spiritual malnutrition and thirst.

Jesus told a Samaritan woman about water that would become “a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). He had what she truly needed — what Peter later called “the words of eternal life” (6:68).

Have we been ignoring the words of Jesus: “Man shall not live by bread alone”? (Luke 4:4). Have we been failing to nourish our souls while pursuing our wants? “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).      — Vernon Grounds

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford;

I need Thee, O I need Thee, every hour I need   Thee!

O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.          — Hawks

READ: John 4:7-15

Just as our body needs daily food, so does our spirit.

The Bible in one year:

• Exodus 1-3

• Proverbs 9:1-9