"But when He (Jesus) saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."
-- Matthew 9:36
I went to visit my newest nephew yesterday for the first time. He is so tiny and so utterly beautiful. He is also totally helpless. He is need of his mother to care for his every need. Without her constant care, he would die. As I thought on these things this morning, I realized that I, too, am utterly helpless apart from my Father. Though I often don't act like it, oh, how I need Him. The stark reality of that baby's helplessness mirrored my intense and total need for my Father. I could not have any spiritual understanding or growth apart from Him. I am dependent on Him for every beat of my heart, every breath that I take. I am in dire need of every drop of forgiveness, mercy and grace that extends from His hands. I - we - are an incredibly needy people. So why do we go around acting like we can take care of ourselves? Pride. Realizing and acknowledging these truths means having to humble ourselves before a righteous and sovereign God. Not easy for our arrogant hearts - but absolutely necessary. And praise God, He is willing, able and happy to be our All-In-All. Thank You, Father.
3 comments:
Amen! I love that He wants to care for us and meet those needs. To "be in need", in our culture, is portrayed in such a negative light... It takes on a real derogatory meaning if you "need" anything. When in fact, it really is our constant human condition. We are so desperately "in need" constantly. And, our creator, made us, in our inmost parts, "to" need Him.
One thing that He has shown me, in dealing with things I run to instead of Him... is how addictions start in our lives. When we are "in need" and won't run to Him to fill it and meet it. We know there is something that isn't right, and we feel empty..but for the lie that we believe is that, "I should not feel this way. I should have it all together." and so we run to other things to fill or quiet the need.
Great post! Bless you this day!
One of the things I love about your site, is your thoughtful manner. I'm thankful for your meditation and reading of the Word, and how the Holy Spirit helps you (and us) apply that Word in our lives. Thanks again!
Amy,
Thanks for sharing - your wise comments really added to my line of thinking. You are so right about how we often run to other things or other people to fill our emptiness instead of to the only One who knows and can give us exactly what we need.
Sharon,
Thank you for your sweet comments. I praise God for the hunger for His Word that He is lately pouring into me and for the opportunity to share with others.
Blessings to you both,
Julie
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