My list might include stuff like a new truck or hiking equipment. I might include things like power tools or sporting equipment, trips to relaxing places or a better paying job. There are many things that we can put on our "Needs List" that have become a part of our daily lives. Things that we become so accustom to that we don't know how we could live without them.
What about running water? Electricity, natural gas, fast food restaurants or cars. How long could you survive without cable TV? I saw an advertisement on TV while sitting in Josh's hospital room that allowed you to take you cable box with you when you move and get your TV working right away, before the moving truck gets there with your stuff.
We have heard people say "I need to change the decorations in my house, it is almost Christmas" or "I need to change the oil in my car". Our perceived needs are very different then what God knows we need. If God gives us what we need, but we don't get everything that we want, it is easy to complain rather then be thankful.
In Matthew 6 we are told that God already knows what all your needs are and He will take care of them:
26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Have you thought about giving thanks for enough food to stay alive (and have a variety of choices), have you thanked God that you have cloths, probably more than one set to change into; how about something to drink? Do you have clean water (some people can't even buy bottled water) to drink? I have ten different types of bottled drinks in the cupboard that people have brought over to Josh.
That is a pretty short list of needs, that God knows we have and yet the last time I checked, he provided a lot more than food, drink and clothing.
In Psalms 104 we see all that God does to provide for us and for the rest of creation. Not only does God care about our food, drink and clothing, He also enjoys making us happy and comfortable.
14 You cause grass to grow for the livestock
and plants for people to use.
You allow them to produce food from the earth—
15 wine to make them glad,
olive oil to soothe their skin,
and bread to give them strength.
God has provided for my families needs, and He has blessed us with more than we need. He has also given us enough so that we get the privilege of sharing some of our abundance with people who have less than we do. And when we share, we get to experience a little of what God feels, when He gives gifts to us.
Josh had a good day yesterday. He was up most of the afternoon and had a good appitite. His blood counts came back and he does not need a transfusion yet. We will check them again tomorrow. We continue to hope and pray that he will remain fever free until we return for the last round of chemo in December.
Thank you Lord for providing for my needs, and giving me more than I need so that I can participate with you in giving to others.
Tomorrow we will look at Being thankful for Gods Blessings.
I enjoyed the posting!! Great to be reminded of what we truly need to be thankful for.
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