A Bible verse about need:
“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.” 1 Timothy 5:3
We all have needs. Or, at least we think that we have needs.
I think that I need a new truck, but really that’s a want. Even though my truck is now 18 years old, and something breaks if I even look at it, it still gets me where I need to go.
I’d like a bigger tractor so I can move snow quicker in the winter, but our current tractor continues to do a fine job. So while that’s a need to me, it’s clearly just a want.
We need basic essentials in life: food, shelter, clothing, and love. Some of us are truly lacking in one or more of these categories, and I believe that is what this verse refers to (not necessarily just for widows).
"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." Matthew 6:31-32
God knows what we need, and He provides these necessities for us. So why is it that any are lacking at all?
Perhaps, a lack of faith
That’s just conjecture on my part. I believe that as we are all created in love by our Father, He naturally wants to look out for our best interests.
Providing necessities for us would certainly constitute that aspect. So if any of us are lacking, it’s certainly not an oversight on His part.
More likely, we’re to blame. Either for a lack of trust or pure ignorance on our part.
That’s not to say that God withholds from us as a form of punishment. Rather, He knows what’s best for us.
Paul reminds us that in weakness, we are strong. Jesus Himself tells us that in this life we will have trouble.
Paul again tells us in Romans 5:3-4, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
So we will have trouble; if we embrace that trouble and admit our weakness, we become strong. By persevering through trouble we develop character and hope. That hope leads to love, and that is what God cherishes.
So it can be said that self-imposed turmoil can lead us back to love, and more importantly, to God.
Therefore, all of the trouble, and all of the lack that we face, are opportunities for us to grow towards God. That is why He allows it to happen.
Why do we need?
We certainly don’t have to need anything. God could simply provide everything for us all – in an instant. I suppose that’s one of the benefits of being all-powerful.
It’s easy to wonder why we must go through tribulations, or in this case, why we might feel like we’re lacking.
The important part is to remain objective about it. I know that’s easier said than done when it feels like the entire world is against you.
But think about it; when times are good, remind yourself to enjoy them. But also remember that those times are fleeting. For me, at least, it seems like trouble finds me more often than peace.
Those are the times when we need to remember these verses. Then we can understand that we’re truly lacking communion with and our relationship with God.
It is in these times where we can step back and say, “Father, I get it. You’re allowing this to happen to me because I’ve neglected our relationship. I have taken you for granted.”
And then, correct what you’ve been neglecting. Persevere through the current hardship, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side – and closer to God.
So while we don’t have to suffer, when we do it is for our benefit. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. But I’ll be the first to admit that it’s reassuring at all when life is so entirely difficult.
Do we really need?
For most of us, I think it’s fair to say that the answer is no. We have jobs (whether we like them or not) that pay our bills, provide us food to eat, and a roof over our heads.
We might want a fancier house or car, but that’s not a necessity. I think we really need to re-evaluate our circumstances to truly identify what constitutes a need.
Spend some time volunteering at a food shelf or homeless shelter, and then maybe you can come to appreciate what a need really looks like.
The concept of homelessness is usually a sticky topic. A lot of people truly feel conflicted about helping someone who can’t or won’t help themselves.
I submit that the number one thing that these people who truly have a need are lacking is love.
In my experience, it’s not the house that they’re lacking, it’s love. They can get food from numerous sources, but they can’t find love.
Most of the homeless people that I meet are isolated. I can’t say with certainty, but it seems as though they are lacking true platonic love from friends and family. I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to assume that they are apart from God as well.
This can happen for any number of reasons, but that’s not the important part. It doesn’t matter if they’re a drug addict, alcoholic, or suffering from a host of mental diseases. The important thing to remember is that, inevitably, they are lacking love.
How do we recognize need?
It’s not enough to merely think, “Gee, that guy looks like he needs help.”
That’s the classic phrase we get dispatched to at least 10 times a day. Some cellular hero calls 911 because they see someone who looks like they need help. And yet, they don’t offer any help.
Instead, maybe recognize the need, and find a way to fulfill it. I’m not asking you to give them money. I’m not saying you should offer to let them move in with your family. You don’t even have to give them warm clothes.
Sometimes, maybe just asking if they need help would suffice. Take a few minutes to talk to them, and treat them like a real person. Show compassion and love, and maybe that’s all that they need.
My hypothesis is this: for whatever reason or cause, these people who truly lack have become separated from God.
Because of this, they have become isolated and despondent because of their desire to fill the void of their true need.
Subconsciously, they recognize the void and seek to fill it. Unfortunately, for many of them, it’s filled with unhealthy substitutes in an attempt to feel whole.
Theoretically, a small amount of love shown to them might change the entirety of their life. It could change the course of their future; you won’t know unless you try.
That is how you recognize the need – you fill their empty cup. Even if it’s only a drop, it’s still a start.
"If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4:10
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