I started a survey project this week in preparation for my next book project and my Blog. The questions I asked several women were:
- What is your deepest need right now?
- What immediately came to mind?
- Did your answer change after you thought it over? If so, what was the need that replaced your first response to this question?
Philippians 4:11 ESV: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
Matthew 6:8b ESV: “. . . for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”
My greatest needs have changed over the years. When I was younger and my children were toddlers, my biggest prayer requests dealt with potty training and being able to pay bills. My mother gave me some sage wise advice back then: “When your children are young, they have small needs but when they get older, your prayer requests become bigger in depth and size. She was right. My prayer requests have matured from merely human needs to immaterial and eternal needs for my children.
I am just beginning to get answers in from my survey. I am finding that we women share a lot of the same burdens. Here are some of the responses to my survey regarding: “What is your deepest need right now?”
- Health and feeling insignificant.
- Need to feel loved and appreciated.
- Physical strength.
- The Salvation of my children.
- Want my kids to appreciate me and what I do.
- Fighting discouragement resulting from prayers not answered quickly.
- No return of my son’s cancer and for continued peace and trust.
- Need to remember God is my refuge and what that means.
- To let go of fear and be thankful.
I was amazed at how many responded that their greatest need right now was a lack of physical strength due to their health issues or for a member of their family having health issues. It kept coming up with more and more women. Then I read in Priscilla Shirer’s, “The Armor of God” Bible study book, a statement that explains this. She is referring to right before she was in the movie War Room. One of the directors sent her the following email:
“Now that you are joining the team, don’t be surprised if the enemy drops unusual family, relational, or health problems in your life. Don’t worry. Just prepare. God is greater than anything the enemy attempts.”
“Bottom line: Anticipate the enemy to hit you in the area of your greatest influence.” Priscilla Shirer.
What is my deepest need right now? My immediate response is fighting discouragement when I don’t see answers to prayers quickly. My reaction is from lack patience. I use my Keurig coffee maker every morning because it makes my own single cup of coffee quickly. I prefer quick answers and results much the same way in my prayer life. However, my gift box, on my mantel that says: To: Linda and Family. From: God, is filled with dated answers to prayers written on 3 X 5 cards. Each one is a living reminder of past answers to prayers that I have turned over to our Heavenly Father. I get to have my own thanksgiving and praise service every time I open the lid and read every card!
God tells us not to fear the “but what if . . .” because He is with us. I just had to endure another test about this last night. My heart was pounding over a situation. I turned on my You Version Holy Bible ap and turned to the book of Psalms. I started playing it from Psalm 5 and had it read to me out loud through Psalm 40. I wrote down on a piece of paper precious promises of God that helped calm my nerves through these chapters of truth. This problem was out of my control. There was nothing I could do to fix or change it. God says don’t be dismayed. Don’t be disheartened. Don’t be upset. Don’t lose courage for the task ahead because He is our God. He vows to strengthen us. He just might do that through a trial, however He also promises to help us, sustain us, and uphold us no matter what. I went to sleep finally, being upheld by the last verse in Psalm 40 being girded with truth: “You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!”
What is your deepest need right now? Remember, God is greater than anything the enemy attempts to torpedo you in your path. Read the Psalms for comfort and reassurance. Listen to the song, “Shoulders” by King and Country, or Josh Wilson’s song, “I Refuse,” or his song, “Fall Apart.” These songs have spoken richly to me in various needs of mine in the past. Ask God to talk to you through His Word. Stop. Listen. Wait.
My prayer today: “God I praise You for your power. You are my refuge. You are my shield. I need more courage in trusting You completely and not giving into discouragement. I am holding on to Your promise to me found in Psalm 9:10: “For You LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.” I am looking forward to Your promise to me also in Hebrews 11:6: “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Amen.”