I don’t know about you, but I REALLY do not like to be needy. I don’t even like the word. It means: “being in want, poverty-stricken, distressed by want of means of living” and it goes far beyond finances. It can include emotions, attention, affection, and more. I mainly don’t like how it feels. Sometimes I feel weak. Sometimes I feel ashamed. I’m sure this is pride speaking but, when I have a need, I am painfully aware that I can’t produce what I lack at that moment. I’m not in control. I can’t provide for myself or others. I can’t do it and I’m not enough! It’s a struggle for me to ask for help.
I will also admit to being overwhelmed by the needs of others. I want to help and many times I do, but sometimes I can’t and sometimes I shouldn’t. It requires wisdom to know this, and I lack that without God’s direction. And just when I think I have heard everything, then another situation surfaces that is more devastating and complicated. Such a sad state of affairs!
The good news is God is never overwhelmed by our needs. I’m kind of wondering if God has an entirely different take on neediness than we do. He’s not embarrassed by you, nor does He think poorly of you. He doesn’t see you as a failure or weak. He doesn’t expect you “to handle it” or just “buck up”. He doesn’t reject, ignore, or disregard. He allows neediness for our humility, for opportunities to serve, and for His glory.
For your need and encouragement (emphasis added):
- Psalm 72:13 (Amp) – “He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And he will save the lives of the needy.” (compassion = suffering with another, painful sympathy, compounded love and sorrow)
- Psalm 69:33 (Amp) – “For the LORD hears the needy And does not despise His who are ” (hears = perceive, allows to speak, listens to, to attend, to regard, to grant an answer to prayer)
- Psalm 82:4 (Amp) – “Rescue the weak and needy; Rescue them from the hand of the ” (We can’t rescue ourselves! Rescue = to free or deliver from any confinement, violence, danger or evil; to liberate)
- Psalm 109:31 (Amp) – “For He will stand at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge his ” (The Lord stands beside you…close! Your soul is protected by God Himself.)
- Hebrews 13:16 (Amp) – “Do not neglect to do good, to contribute [to the needy of the church as an expression of fellowship], for such sacrifices are always pleasing to God.” (If no one was needy, we would have less opportunities to please )
- Psalm 40:17 (Amp) – “Even though I am afflicted and needy, Still the Lord takes thought and is mindful of me. You are my help and my O my God, do not delay.” (We are never forgotten.)
- Psalm 51:17 (Amp) – “My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.” (A humble, needy heart is one thing the Lord will never shy away )
Take heart if you are needy today. The Lord wants you to need Him, and He will use you as you are to meet the needs of others. Cast yourself and your needs on Him for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)