Let’s face it, we all have needs that show up in our lives. We as individuals have needs, our families have needs and our nation has needs. What do we do to address these needs? Well, if it is a physical need we usually consult a doctor.

If it is a financial need we might look for more ways to make or borrow money or beg for more time to pay. If there are problems in our marriage we might seek out a counselor.

To address a national need we might try to hold politicians accountable (good luck) or vote in someone new.

There isn’t anything wrong with the things I just mentioned, but isn’t it disappointing and strange that the last person we approach with our needs is a God who desires to help us in our time of need? It reminds me of what God asked one of the kings of Israel in 2 Kings 1:3, “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult” someone else?

One of the reasons why some don’t take their needs to God is that He is not their heavenly Father. The way He becomes our heavenly Father is by accepting the forgiveness offered through His Son Jesus, then as Hebrews 4:16 tells us, we can “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”Another reason is that we think God is too busy or is not interested in helping us. There is no need too small or too great that our God does not want to hear.

God works in many ways and through many people in order to help us, and sometimes the answer we desire is not what is best for us. We must take our needs to Him and be willing to submit to His will for us. The old hymn says these words that are so truthful; “Oh what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.”