Lent Journeyنموونە

DAY 27
Physical need

Plenty have been written about what man’s needs truly are – the theories are endless. A big debate is also going on about the difference between my desires (nice to haves) and my needs (must haves).

Desires, over time, can also become needs.
However, when I think of difficult times, I can see how I recognised what my biggest and probably true needs were during those times. It appears that I was able to get along with much less than what I thought I needed.

Jesus is dying on the cross. He is thirsty. At the end of his life He returns to the most basic needs. His huge life appears so small now that He is dependent on a soldier to take care of Him. But his life is everything but insignificant – his life involves much more than the words on cross!

In terrifying moments like these, my life had also appeared small to me, especially when I felt helpless, depending on others to take care of me. Then I struggle to realise that my life is so much more than my immediate physical needs.

At the end of my life I am going to find myself in the same terrifying situation, just like Jesus. I realise that my physical needs will be huge in those moments, but may I recognise the greatness of my life and look past my immediate needs!

I have been thirsty before and I will be thirsty again – a thirst that will cost me my life. But I never want to let go of the mystery of my life with all its facets and experiences.

EXERCISE
• In your time of prayer today you’re invited to become aware of the big challenges that you currently face.
• What are the needs that you experience at this time?
• Perhaps it can help you to get started by completing this sentence:
• I need ___________________________.
• Talk to God about this and ask Him to show you what it is that you truly need.
• Ask Him to fulfill your needs.
• Thank Him for taking care of you.