We want food, water, clothes, and shelter. But we don’t need them.

I don’t say this lightly.

In fact, I’m afraid that one day soon I will be in want of food, water, clothes, and shelter. And when that day comes, my physical self will scream, “Food is life! Water is life! What will we do to survive?”

I’ve been privileged to live my life with abundance and in comfort. I’ve never known want. But my country is changing. Not for the better, it seems. People left and right are losing jobs and being denied human rights. What will come next? Our earthly future is uncertain.

My fear leaves me grasping for the truth: What do we need to live?

The One Thing We Need

The one thing I need is unseen. It’s more real than bread in my mouth, water on my tongue, a shirt on my back, or a roof over my head.

“The LORD is my shepherd;

I have all that I need.”

Psalm 23:1 NLT

Jesus is my shepherd; he’s all that I need.

I in Him and He in Me

We live in a broken world, with broken bodies, surrounded by broken people.

It helps me to remember that this current, imperfect life is not the main event. I was created for more than this. I was made to be wholly in Jesus and he in me.

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'”

John 14:6 NLT

Jesus is the way to the Father, to wholeness.

Jesus is the truth we hold to when the world feeds us lies.

Jesus is salvation for everlasting life, our whole life, forever.

Jesus is Everything

One day I’ll be hungry, thirsty, cold, and exposed. Maybe you’re already there today. In these moments, I pray we’ll hold fast to the truth that we still have all that we need.

When we’re hungry, may we remember that Jesus is the “bread of life.” (John 6:35)

When we’re thirsty, may we remember that Jesus gives us “living water.” (John 4:10)

When we’re cold, may we remember that Jesus has “clothed [us] with the garments of salvation; he has covered [us] with the robe of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10)

And when we’re exposed, may we remember that Jesus “will shelter [us] with his wings. His faithful promises are [our] armor and protection.” (Psalm 91:4)

This is Not the End

I want to keep living my rose-tinted life, however, God never promised me an easy ride.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NLT

What God has promised is that one day, our suffering will be over. Yet it won’t be our end.

“They will never again be hungry or thirsty;
    they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.
For the Lamb on the throne
    will be their Shepherd.
He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.
    And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 7:16-18 NLT

Jesus, let me hold fast to your promise of life. You’re my everything. You are life! No matter what, you’re all I need. I have you, and that means I have everything. Help me to believe it. Amen

“You may never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have.“

Corrie ten Boom

May God bless you and keep you,