“Fear the LORD, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.” Psalm 34: 9-10
When I feel discouraged and overwhelmed by life, I always navigate to the Psalms. Wow, the above verses seemed to jump off the page at me. All I can say is, really? At first, it can seem like David’s words are questionable; because, let’s face it… the majority of us lack many good things. Can you relate?
“Those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing” isn’t a blanket promise that all Christians will have everything they want. David is praising God for His goodness – period. This means all of those who call upon God in both good and bad times (especially in bad times) will have their needs met, sometimes in unexpected ways. Not what they want, but what they need. And that’s the key… and that’s not easy!
Remember, God knows what we need to survive. He knows that our deepest needs are spiritual. Some Christians experience unbearable poverty and much hardship, but doesn’t it just blow you away that they can sing and rejoice in their affliction? Stop and really think about this. If you’re an unbeliever, you simply have to sit up and take notice. That’s saying our God must be something great if they can praise Him while their world is falling apart. God has given them enough spiritual nourishment to be walking billboards – showing the world that His grace really and truly is enough. When David penned these words, that’s what he was saying… if you have God, you have all you need. God is enough.
If you feel you don’t have everything you need, ask yourself, “Is this really a need? Is this really good for me? Is this the best time for me to have what I desire?” Even if you can say yes to all three questions, God may still allow you to go without to help you grow more dependent on Him. It’s His priority to make you see that we need Him more than having our immediate desires met.
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11