If You Don’t Have It, You Don’t Need It

Sometimes … well, frequently, I allow my brain to slip into neutral and I say things just to get a laugh.  Last night, during one of those moments, I posted a comment on my Facebook page.  I had said it to Cheri in my best country preacher accent and we both laughed about it, so I decided to write it.  “God promises to give you what you need.  If you don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

The statement is true, but God’s promise has a condition.  We often attempt to find comfort in claiming God’s promise to supply our needs, but then we become frustrated when God doesn’t come through.  We claim Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:19 without considering his statement in its entirety, and we don’t understand when there is not enough money to buy food or shelter.  Paul’s statement is this:  “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Have you ever tried to drink water from an empty glass?  As ridiculous as that may sound, we often try to do just that when we are living outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you don’t have that relationship, God’s promise does not apply to you.  Likewise, if you do have the relationship, but you are living outside of that relationship, God’s promise also does not apply.  The riches of God’s glory are found in Christ Jesus, and that glass is full and satisfying.  Any other glass is absent of God’s glory.

Matthew 6:31-33 says, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  The reason we find ourselves in need is that we put our needs and desires first, before God.  God says to put his kingdom and his righteousness first and he will provide everything that we need.

My Facebook statement is incomplete.  So, in my best country preacher accent, I’ll complete the statement.  God promises to give you what you need, according to his riches in Christ Jesus.  If you need it and don’t have it, put God’s kingdom and his righteousness first.  God will supply your every need.