All I have needed, Thy hands hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me  ~Thomas Chisholm.

For my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus  ~Philippians 4:19.

Here in America, we way too often confuse “needs” with “wants.” If you are like me, you are used to most of your wants being delivered along with your needs, but it is important to differentiate between the two.

A while back, I began to notice how much I said I “need” things, and I started to consciously change my vocabulary to say, “I would like …,” or I would put “need” in quotes, indicating that it is a perceived need but not necessarily something that I cannot live without.

For myself, there is nothing I need in the material realm. First Timothy 6:8 tells us, “And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.” I have plenty of both of those, plus many other things. Where I sometimes feel I “need” something is on the emotional/physical side of things. I tend to feel like I need a vacation or better health or someone who will be there for me when I am struggling. These things are not bad but they may not be needs as much as they are great desires. Reminding myself that God has given me everything I need and, if I really need those things, He will provide them as well gives me more of a sense of peace and contentment. If my Father cares for the lilies of the field, how much more does He care for me–His child?

Let’s not lose sight of reality. We are truly blessed beyond what we deserve. When we fuss and complain, we are simply being spoiled brats, not caring for anyone but ourselves. God could have consumed us a long time ago and sent us to eternal damnation but, instead, He continues to call, to be patient, to implore us to praise Him in the good and the bad, to turn to Him so that He can fill every “need” with Himself. He is so faithful. Please don’t lose sight of that.