August 14, 2018
Psalm 34:9-11…“O fear the Lord, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.” vs. 9
Sometimes parents will ask their children to distinguish between wants and needs in making purchasing decisions. It not an easy thing for a young person to figure out, particularly when they’ve been bombarded by clever marketing appeals on television and social media. They’re regularly tricked into believing that because they want something they actually need it. Of course, it’s not only the young who are confused about wants and needs. Most all of us end up wanting more than we need, that’s just how it is in world that is driven by consumption. But the psalmist has an interesting take on that debate. He says that those who fear the Lord have no want! It seems a simple statement but its truth is overwhelming. In essence, he’s telling us that if we trust God we have everything we need, we will be well provided for, God will take care of us–we will want for nothing! On the surface that seems hard to believe. In fact, some would call it a radical thought, one that would be disaster for a consumer economy. But wouldn’t that be a great way to live? Not grasping for more and being content with what we have? Many people of faith have discovered the joy that comes with simple living. For them, such living is the gateway to the kingdom of heaven.
Thought for the Day: How do my wants affect the way I live?
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