And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
Expanded Passage: Philippians 4:15-19
As a child, my grandmother and aunt loved to take me shopping. As a result, I may have been a bit confused about the difference between wants and needs from a young age. Whenever I found something I liked, I would simply tell them that I needed that item. I can imagine little me toddling through the store carrying a baby doll and declaring, “I need this.” And from what I can gather, that tactic usually worked. It was cute when I was a child, but as an adult, I still have a tendency to confuse my needs and my wants. Living in a consumer-driven world does not help much with this either.
Paul knew what it was like to rely on God to meet his needs. Many times, God used the churches that he had started to help support him and provide what he needed, when he needed it. As a result, Paul knew firsthand the difference between want and need, but he also saw the generosity of God through his people. He reminded the Philippians that their sacrifices were an obedience to God and because of their generosity all his needs had been met.
God knows our every need and, as Paul reminds us, he has the ability to meet those needs in abundance. We do not have to rely on ourselves, we can trust God to provide.
Be honest with the Lord about your needs, then trust his provision.
Deborah Rhodes is the colead pastor of Parkside Church in Greenville, South Carolina. She is passionate about studying and teaching God’s Word.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
