God Is Everything We Truly Need - The Crosswalk Devotional - November 19
The Crosswalk Devotional
Audio By Carbonatix
By Hannah L. Benson, Crosswalk.com
God Is Everything We Truly Need
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading:
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” - Psalm 73:25 ESV.
We know that truly, there is no one in heaven that we have but God Himself, and none on earth that we ought to desire besides Him, but that is SO much easier said than done.
If you’re anything like me, then there are probably so many desires tucked away in the secret corners of your heart. Hopes and dreams that you treasure in your heart like Mary.
What should we do when God says “no”? When God doesn’t give us everything we ask for?
How can we truly say with a heart full of faith, “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you,” when there are other things we want as well?
Think about it.
What is something you long for?
Perhaps a child. A spouse. A new job.
About a year ago, the Lord really impressed on my heart a time in my life where every “no” from Him meant to grow and cultivate me into His image felt like a devastating blow to my plans.
During one of my moments of discontentment, the Lord whispered to my weary heart, “Am I enough for you?”
His words, soft and gentle yet far from condescending, brought an instant prick of conviction to my heart.
When did God stop being enough for me? Of course, I thought He was enough. If someone were to ask me if He were enough, I would’ve said yes and thought I was being honest.
But when did I start putting things I wanted above God? When did I start seeing the glass as half-empty instead of counting my blessings?
I remember moments in my life where there were things I deeply desired - and didn’t have. Friendships and an open door to serve in media ministry, among others.
In those seasons of “lack”, God taught me that I really had everything I needed. I may have desired good things, and it didn’t mean God didn’t want to eventually bless me with those things. (After all, God loves to give good gifts to His children). But God wanted to show me that He was enough for my weary soul.
I didn’t need a specific job or to serve on a particular project (although that would be nice).
I didn’t need to have specific friendships (although I would appreciate them if the Lord chose to bless me with them).
As much as I deeply desired those gifts, the truth is, I didn’t “need” any of it. Anything God chooses to bless me with is still His and is a gift. It’s not for my own selfish gain, either, but a tool to further His Kingdom for His glory.
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9 ESV).
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Dear friend, God will certainly bless you with good things. It may not look exactly like you’d thought, but it will be good.
We are reassured that the Lord doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6) and again in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) when the author writes to the Hebrews the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
In our highest moments, when we’re successful, rich, and have everything we could ever want, God is good.
But if God never changes, then the opposite is true, too.
In our lowest moments, when we are barely making ends meet, and when we’re waiting for a miracle that we’re not even sure will come, God is still good. He loves us and will overflow our cup with His love, comfort, mercy, and grace, riches that far surpass any this world could give.
I’ve been on both sides.
There are times when I wrestle with a cup that feels as if it’s half-empty. I also know what it’s like to have that same glass overflowing with the love of the Lord.
We can either choose to be discontented and experience growing dissatisfaction (and then nothing will ever satisfy, not even if we receive the very thing which we want). Or we can choose to trust that God has given us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23:1). It is in those moments I find my heart quiets, anxiety stills, and fear flees.
And I come to realize that I’ll be okay even if I don’t get what I want because God will not withhold anything I need.
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Ippei Naoi
Hannah L. Benson is a writer, actress, and content marketer with a passion for telling stories that glorify God and bring hope to your heart. As a writer, her work can be found in publications including the Rebelution, Her View From Home, Her Faith Arises, Inside Out Worldwide, and Crosswalk. Her heartfelt writings have impacted countless women around the country. As one reader put it: "Hannah has a gift of sharing the depths of her heart in a relatable way with a deep understanding of the human heart." Connect with her on Facebook (Hannah L. Benson) and Instagram @hannah.l.benson or visit her website at www.hannahlbenson.com.
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
