If you have been watching the news lately and a lot has been happening. And its NOT good!!! The economy has tanked, the job market is WAY DOWN and now our leadership is talking about yet another bailout for the housing industry. I wonder where it will end??? Is it REALLY POSSIBLE that America is doomed??? But wait, did you have breakfast today, did you have a place to sleep last night, did you have clean clothes to wear or a TV or radio to entertain you? The vast majority of us have things like these and more. I remember growing up with very, very little... but it seemed normal. Oh, there were things I wanted, but the things I really needed; all of them were there. The question naturally arises..."then, what do I really need?" This familiar passage from the book of Philippians comes to mind.
Philippians 4:8-20 (WEB)
8) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
9) The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10) But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
11) Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
12) I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
13) I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
14) However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
15) You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
16) For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
17) Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
18) But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
19) My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20) Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
8) Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
9) The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10) But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
11) Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
12) I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
13) I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
14) However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
15) You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
16) For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
17) Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
18) But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
19) My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20) Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
We need the necessities of life to be sure, but what about other people? We really need people to care about us, to love us. Most of all, we need GOD!!! America is facing difficult times; this is an undeniable FACT. But what is lacking the most is that people are NOT SEEKING GOD. With God you will always have someone who cares, who always seeks your good, you guides and protects you. In short, who gives you what you really need. Even if it is only a shack without windows, if the inhabitants love God; they will be loved and blessed abundantly. And the realization of this starts just the way the Philippian passage does... with your thinking. So, consider what is really necessary in your life and be happy!!! Think about it and I am sure your day will be a great one, no matter how many possessions you are blessed with.