What's Essential?

 Essentials

In challenging economic times we all take a second look before purchasing things and consider what is essential.

In my family we often laugh when we tell stories of growing up – I did so in a family with 12 children and we didn’t each have our bedroom – most of the time we didn’t even have our own bed. 

And, imagine this, for 14 of us we had one bathroom.  We were grateful for food on the table, wood for the stove to keep the house warm and shoes that fit that didn’t have holes in the soles. 

My point in mentioning all this is that we managed – and did it just fine – with much less than what we all think we need now. 

So today we pray to remember what really matters and to live well and with contentment as we experience all of our essential needs cared for by our loving God.

The Lord is my shepherd;  I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures.  He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name.

Psalm 23:1-3

We’re grateful today God to know that You exist, and  that Jesus has come to earth to show us how wonderful You are and how steadily and powerfully You are sustaining life in us and around us.

The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.  Hebrews 1:3

We’re so grateful to know that Jesus has done everything that is essential for that and so He’s now sitting down in a place of honor.  The work is finished.  Provision has been made. We can tap into that today at every point we have need.

We don’t have to pretend that the way around us isn’t challenging and that it often feels like a dark valley.  From ancient times people of faith just like us have prayed: 

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 

Psalm 23:4

And so we’re praying that again today, trusting Your care, Your protection, and Your comfort to be all we need with whatever we face today.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.  

Psalm 23:6

We have so much to enjoy today as we trust God to provide what is essential.  Let’s have a great day.