Knowing What We Need

Bronwyn Osman

My work involves giving support and services to those in need at a particular time in their lives. These needs may be due to physical, psychological, financial or relational difficulties. Over the years I have observed that the willingness of people to receive help from another varies greatly. Some people receive readily while others receive only when the situation is quite desperate. Whatever the degree, people will usually only receive help when they perceive they do not have the capacity to meet their own needs.

However, God sees us all as poor and needy, whether we have wealth, health, or happy relationships. King David of old knew this, even though he was the most successful king in Israel’s history. He prayed, ‘Bow down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; for I am poor and needy’. (Psa 86:1)

What we think we need is not the point here. God is the maker of us all. He knows exactly what we need. Jesus said, ‘”Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”’ (Mat 6:31- 33)

Mankind is largely pre-occupied with surviving. However, what we need above all else is the gift of God’s life in us. He designed us to be His children and to share His own life. The Bible calls this life ‘eternal life’ and He offers it to us because He loves each of us regardless of our particular needs or circumstances.

I recall a dying man I was looking after. He now had need of nothing, but the only thing keeping him alive was his fear of dying. I was concerned at his suffering and was aware of his need to receive Jesus Christ and the eternal life He brings. I asked the man if he would like me to pray for him, and he replied that he would. As we prayed his body, which was so rigid and tense with fear, completely relaxed and he became peaceful. Minutes later he passed away. His greatest need had been met in that he had received God’s life that is infinite in both quality and quantity.
Jesus said, ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)