God Gives

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Psalm 116:5-6 (NIV)

To be ‘in need’ means that I am not just ‘in want’ but that I am in want of something that is a requirement in my life. I want chocolate. I need water. I need God. This is not just a light bulb that clicked on in July 1995. This light, the realization, is part of me and part of each day of my life. I need God. Every day…I need God.

Some would think that the psalm writer is accurate; that I am “simplehearted” even ‘simpleminded’ to need God who I cannot see. It is simple…but not easy. It is simple because God loves me and He knows my needs. He can fill those needs. He is the only one who can. It’s not easy because I am a woman with ego and pride and do not like to admit my need. I’d like to find something that I acquired to fill my need. I’d like to not have a need. I’ve gotten passed those lies!

Yes, God saved me. He gave His Son to supply my greatest need…an eternal atonement for my sins. But God continues to save me every day. I need His grace (His love). I need His mercy (His forgiveness). I need His wisdom. I need His comfort. I need His courage. I need His strength. I need His peace. I need His self-control. I need His kindness. I need His joy. I need His beauty. I need His patience. I need His truth. I need His unity. God knows all this. In our conversations (prayer time), I can see God smile as I ask for what He knows I need. I was reminded of this with my granddaughters who visited recently. They are trying so hard to do for themselves. And it is right to let them try to accomplish a task for themselves. And then there is that moment when they stop and look up, because they know I am near, and say, “Nanna, help me do _____.” It’s great! They asked before they fell or got hurt. Can you see God in that same situation? He is the best Father!

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in haven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)

God gives in answer to my needs…He gives His Spirit. He gives Himself to me. No, I don’t deserve Him but being such a Father – He gives any way. There is no end to how God will give to His children.

No matter what this day brings, God will meet my need. I am going to start the day thanking Him for what He has already given.