“I want it!”
Late one night in Walmart, a high-pitched scream filled the air. Loud wailing ensued, and I came face-to-face with a small child languishing on the floor and two exasperated parents trying to regain control of the situation.
My heart went out to them as they tried to console an overly-tired child. I know how it feels to lose control. To want your children to behave when they have other thoughts in mind. To try to make things at work go a certain way and then watch as they go every other way but the way you wanted. Facing health issues we have no control over is also difficult. Control is something we rarely have.
But I also understand the child’s desire for something he wants. Sometimes I want another piece of chocolate cake, a new car, or even someone to love me. My wants can be strong. To the Lord, my whining and complaining may mimic the small child’s temper tantrum.
God has all the riches in the world, so why doesn’t He just give me what I want?
Because He is much wiser than I am.
God gives me what I need, and He protects me from things I want that may not be good for me. I want a piece of chocolate cake, but He gives me strength to resist temptation. I want to control my life, but He teaches me to trust Him. He fills me with His Holy Spirit and shows me He can be a greater satisfaction than anything here on earth. And when I learn to trust Him for what I need, He will surprise me and bless me with things I want. It’s all about priorities.
Make the Lord your priority, and He will meet every need you have.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Beth Tavalin is a single mom of three children. She works for her church, a Messianic Jewish congregation, where she is the administrator and helps lead the women’s ministry. She teaches a monthly Bible study that explores the Jewish culture behind the Scriptures and is passionate about what the Lord has done and is doing in her life.