Recognizing Our Need for God

With the common myth of self-sufficiency and self-reliance, recognizing our deep need for God remains elusive. Many pride themselves on their independence, believing they have no needs that cannot be met through their abilities and resources. This problem, rooted in an inability to acknowledge our spiritual poverty, blinds us to our actual condition.

The Spiritual Blindness of Self-Sufficiency

The Scriptures offer a stark contrast between those who are “poor in spirit” and those who perceive themselves as self-sufficient. In Revelation 3:17, a sobering message warns against spiritual complacency: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” ( ESV)

In Matthew 9:10-12, we encounter Jesus dining with publicans and sinners, drawing criticism from the Pharisees. Christ’s response, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick,” (ESV) underscores the importance of recognizing our spiritual need for Him.

Embracing Our Constant Need for God

The key to resolving this problem lies in embracing our perpetual need for God, as articulated in the timeless hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour”*. It serves as a poignant reminder that we always require God’s presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives.

Finding Peace, Overcoming Temptation, and Navigating Life

I Need the Peace That Jesus Gives: True inner peace remains elusive when our conscience convicts us of sin. Romans 5:1 reminds us that peace with God is attainable through faith in Christ Jesus. His atoning sacrifice, highlighted in Ephesians 2:14, 17, is the source of our peace. As described in 1 Peter 3:21, baptism becomes an appeal for a clear conscience. Through the forgiveness of sins, we attain the peace that surpasses understanding (Phil. 4:7). This peace enables us to rest confidently, knowing that Christ’s forgiveness secures our eternal salvation.

I Need Christ To Overcome Temptation: The Scriptures reveal God’s providence in helping us overcome temptation. As suggested in Matthew 6:13 and Matthew 26:41, prayer plays a crucial role. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us that temptations are common, manageable, and escapable. God’s promise to protect the faithful from the hour of temptation (Rev. 3:10) underscores the importance of drawing near to Christ, making us less susceptible to temptation.

I Need Christ In Joy and In Pain: While some believe they only need Christ in times of trouble, Scripture reminds us of our need for Him in both joy and sorrow. Psalm 3:1-6 illustrates how turning to God in crisis yields strength and solace. Learning to live with prosperity is as challenging as coping with adversity (Phil. 4:12). Riches can lead us to believe we are self-sufficient, pushing God out of our lives (Rev. 3:17). True wealth lies in our relationship with Christ.

I Need Christ Because Life Is Vain Without Him: King Solomon’s declaration in Ecclesiastes 1:2, “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity,” is a stark reminder of life’s futility without God. Recognizing our creation in God’s image, our immortal souls, and the promise of resurrection provides purpose (Eccl. 12:13-14). Christ infuses our lives with meaning, enabling us to work His works and live by faith (John 9:4; Gal. 2:20).

Embracing Our Constant Need for God

The hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour” encapsulates the heart’s cry of dependency on Christ. There is never a moment when we do not need the Lord for our physical and spiritual well-being. He is not merely a doctor we seek in times of sickness but a close friend with whom we desire daily association.

As we contemplate this hymn’s plea, “O Make Me Thine Indeed,” we must ask ourselves if we have appealed for Christ to adopt us as His children. We are children of God by adoption, and like orphaned children seeking a loving home, we cry out to our Father, “Pick me.”

So, are you ready to come to Christ and fully embrace your constant need for Him?

‌~PW 🌮🛶

*Hawks, A. S. “I need Thee Every Hour” (1987). Hymns for worship. Shepard-Stevens Music, Inc.