Do you want it or do you need it? (Devo #51)

Do you want it or do you need it?

I remember when my husband and I were engaged, we went out to lunch with one of my mom’s best friends, Ruthie. Sitting and talking with her is one of the most encouraging things. You leave every conversation feeling refreshed, encouraged and inspired.

We were talking about finances, which was something we were struggling with at the time. She told us that she goes through life asking God about everything, and when it comes to buying stuff she asks “do I want it or do I need it?”

Her relationship with God inspired me and that stuck with me.

What if we all became so self aware and asked ourselves this question, about everything.

Do I want it or do I need it?

I bet it would save us a lot of heartache in the long run.

Do I want or need this glass of alcohol?
Do I want or need to hook up with this person?
Do I want or need this donut?
Do I want or need this car?
Do I want or need to spend money on this?
Do I want or need to say this?

What if we challenged ourselves just to get what we need instead of what we want?

I believe God wants us to have things that we want as well, but not if it’s going to hurt us or someone else. It’s okay to have a donut once in a while. It’s okay to splurge on new things. It’s okay to want things!

But it’s important that we put the needs ahead of the wants.

The Bible tells us that He supplies all our needs, but He never promised to meet all our wants. He says that He will give us the desires of our hearts, and sometimes we don’t always desire the right things.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippeans 4:19

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11

Our goal is to learn to be content in life always. We serve a good God who loves us without limits, wants to heal and restore us, provide for our every need and give us the desires of our hearts.

I remember looking at my bank account at all the times I went out to eat and added it up. Did I need to go out to eat all those times? No. I would have saved so much money and been able to spend it on things that I truly needed.

What if we just started to focus on what we need? Spending money only on things we need? Saying only things that were necessary and helpful to those around us? Forgetting about all the things we want and letting God show us what we need. We would be completely different people.

So, do you want it or do you need it?

Response Questions
1. What things do you find yourself wanting but don’t actually need?
2. Are you willing to ask God for wisdom between what you want and need?

Pray with me!
Father God, forgive me for doing things that I want, instead of doing things that I need. Help me to be content in everything. Thank you that you provide for my every need. Help me to come to use when making any decision. Give me wisdom and strength to make the right decisions. I love you and thank you for looking out for me.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

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