Our greatest need

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.                  — Matthew 4:4 

We are creatures with all kinds of needs. Without air, water, or food, for instance, we can’t go on living. In addition to these absolutely basic necessities, we have a host of others that must be met if we are to be healthy and happy. But these needs are not just physical, emotional, and social, they are also spiritual.

Anyone who thinks human beings are mere organisms is overlooking our most essential need. Douglas Coupland talks about this in his book Life After God: “Now here is my secret: I tell it to you with an openness of heart that I doubt I shall ever achieve again. . . My secret is that I need God — that I am sick and can no longer make it alone. I need God to help me give, because I no longer seem to be capable of giving; to help me be kind, as I no longer seem capable of kindness; to help me love, as I seem beyond being able to love.”

Do you recognize your need for God? The author of Psalm 42 certainly did (vv. 1-2). That need can be met by entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As you confess your sin and believe that He’ll forgive you, He will. Then, by His Holy Spirit, He will come to live in you and enable you to be kind, generous, and loving.

Christ meets our greatest need. — Vernon Grounds

Eternal life is knowing God

Through Jesus Christ His only Son;

Such knowledge is life’s greatest need —

Without it life has not begun.   — D. De Haan

READ: Psalm 42:1-4

If you’re looking for God, look to Jesus.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Samuel 11-13