Opening Scripture:

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

Welcome

Good morning.

Every one of us wakes up each day with a list of desires — some simple, some deep, some urgent. We live in a culture that tells us: “You need this.” “You deserve that.” But how do we know what’s a want, and what’s truly a need?

Today, we’ll look at how God sees the difference — and how trusting Him to meet our needs brings peace, while chasing every want can lead us far from joy.

God Knows What We Need

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
— Matthew 6:8 (ESV)

God is not unaware. He doesn’t need updates on your life. He sees your struggles, your hunger, your heartbreak, and your prayers. Jesus reminds us: God is a Father who already knows what we need.

He knows better than we do. And that’s humbling.

We may think we need:

• A promotion
• A relationship
• A bigger house
• A smoother path

But God sees our deeper need:

• Peace that doesn’t depend on paychecks
• Identity rooted in Christ, not approval
• Strength to endure, not just escape
• Holiness more than comfort

Wants Aren’t Always Bad, But They Aren’t Always Best

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
— James 4:3 (ESV)

It’s okay to want good things — but when wants become masters, they can destroy us.

There’s a reason God doesn’t give us everything we want.
Some things would distract us.
Some things would hurt us.
Some things would pull us away from Him.

Ask yourself: Is this want something that builds my walk with God, or just feeds my pride or comfort?

God’s not in the business of spoiling us — He’s in the business of sanctifying us.

Jesus Teaches Us to Prioritize What Truly Matters

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’… But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:31, 33 (ESV)

We are anxious about many things — food, bills, the future. Jesus doesn’t ignore those needs. He acknowledges them. But then He says:
Seek first the Kingdom.

Put God first. Trust Him with the rest.

It’s not that God doesn’t care about the “little” needs — it’s that He knows the biggest need is Himself. And when we seek Him first, He often aligns our desires with His will.

God Provides for Needs, Not Greeds

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
— Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)

We think more money will bring peace.
More stuff will bring security.
More options will bring satisfaction.

But God says: You already have Me.
And I will never leave you.

True contentment doesn’t come from having everything you want — it comes from trusting the One who provides everything you need.

Our Greatest Need Has Already Been Met in Christ

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
— Luke 19:10 (ESV)

At the heart of the Gospel is this truth:
Our greatest need wasn’t financial.
It wasn’t physical.
It was spiritual.

We needed forgiveness.
We needed reconciliation.
We needed salvation.

And in Jesus, that need has been fully met.

He didn’t come to offer luxuries — He came to offer life.
He didn’t promise we’d never lack in this world — but He did promise we’d never walk alone.

Trust the God Who Provides

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters… Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?”
— Isaiah 55:1–2 (ESV)

You may be chasing what the world says will satisfy — money, fame, comfort, control. But those are wants that fade.

Today, God is inviting you to receive what you truly need: eternal life through Jesus Christ.

You don’t have to earn it.
You don’t have to fix yourself first.
Just come to Him — and trust Him with your life.

Closing Scripture:

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
— Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You are the Giver of every good gift. And today, we confess — we often confuse our wants with our needs. We chase comfort, we pursue status, we worry over provision — and we forget that You are our Shepherd.

Forgive us, Lord, for trusting in things that cannot satisfy.
Teach us to seek first Your Kingdom.
Help us to be content in all things — not because our lives are perfect, but because You are faithful.

Thank You for meeting our greatest need through Jesus Christ — for saving us, forgiving us, and giving us hope beyond this world.

And for those reading today who are tired of chasing what the world can’t deliver, draw them to You.
Let them see that You are enough.
You are the Bread of Life.
You are Living Water.
You are our Provider and our Portion.

We trust You to supply all our needs — in Your time and in Your way.
In Jesus’ almighty name we pray,
Amen.