What Do You Need?
JOURNAL: What do you need from God today?
It may feel uncomfortable or even selfish to start out by listing areas of struggle or need, but I think it’s also the quickest way to get to the things that are really stirring in our hearts and causing anxiety. I do not believe that God is surprised, disappointed, or exhausted by our neediness; in fact, I think He looks at us with great joy and compassion when we show up honest and with empty hands.
In Philippians 4, we find many of Paul’s most notable writings in reference to looking to God as our provider and sustainer.
Verses 6-7 “ Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (MSG)
Verse 19-20 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.” (NLT)
ACTIVATION: Look back at your list and see if there is an underlying theme found throughout. For example, at the root of all of your needs, do you find that you are ultimately in need of true rest, hope for a future that looks brighter than today, supernatural peace in the midst of chaos, healing from pain or disappointment, comfort in a time of desperation and loneliness, or a reminder that He is good, He can be trusted, and He will provide?
I’m not sure about you, but these things are often at the root of my needs. Our human minds are quick to default into spirals of anxiety, depression, and discouragement when we are navigating life in our own strength. As I have been reflecting and ruminating on Pastor Chip’s message from this past weekend, the Holy Spirit keeps bringing me back to Psalm 46. Wherever you are, whatever you are facing, know that He is right there with you waiting for you to invite Him in.
PRAYER PROMPT: Practice reading and praying Psalm 46 over yourself.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israelis our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.”
It may feel uncomfortable or even selfish to start out by listing areas of struggle or need, but I think it’s also the quickest way to get to the things that are really stirring in our hearts and causing anxiety. I do not believe that God is surprised, disappointed, or exhausted by our neediness; in fact, I think He looks at us with great joy and compassion when we show up honest and with empty hands.
In Philippians 4, we find many of Paul’s most notable writings in reference to looking to God as our provider and sustainer.
Verses 6-7 “ Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (MSG)
Verse 19-20 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.” (NLT)
ACTIVATION: Look back at your list and see if there is an underlying theme found throughout. For example, at the root of all of your needs, do you find that you are ultimately in need of true rest, hope for a future that looks brighter than today, supernatural peace in the midst of chaos, healing from pain or disappointment, comfort in a time of desperation and loneliness, or a reminder that He is good, He can be trusted, and He will provide?
I’m not sure about you, but these things are often at the root of my needs. Our human minds are quick to default into spirals of anxiety, depression, and discouragement when we are navigating life in our own strength. As I have been reflecting and ruminating on Pastor Chip’s message from this past weekend, the Holy Spirit keeps bringing me back to Psalm 46. Wherever you are, whatever you are facing, know that He is right there with you waiting for you to invite Him in.
PRAYER PROMPT: Practice reading and praying Psalm 46 over yourself.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israelis our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.”
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