The truth is we all believe we lack something. There are promises that we have yet to receive. We desire things that we do not have in our lives. Our hopes, dreams, and expectations have yet to come to reality. So how do we cope with a God who says we lack no good thing in Him, yet there are areas where we feel a lack?
Marriage
As I went to God in prayer with this question, I was advised to write down everything I lacked. The first was a husband/family. And this is something that I desire and something that I have not. Looking back over all of the people I have dated or were in a relationship with, only one person came close to what I would consider husband material. And even that relationship was a little off. So this begs the question, am I lacking a husband? Or is there just a space reserved in my life that God has yet to fill? Do I lack a relationship, or do I need to be more patient?
Lack of Money
Could we all use a bit more money? As Americans, we live in a capitalistic society that screams at us to earn more so we can buy more. Social media shows us the best and the latest. It’s easy to feel we lack by comparison. Money can solve a slew of problems. Yet, how do we cope with no money? God promised that we are the lender and not the borrower, but it feels like we’re always borrowing. I looked at how much I earned and how much I spent. Am I truly being a good steward over what God gave me? The honest answer is no. I can do much better with my finances. Though all my bills are paid, my savings and retirement accounts can be more prominent. If I want to be the lender, I must save and steward.
Perception of Lack
Is there something underneath the thing I perceive I lack? Because I don’t have a husband, do I think I am not worthy? Since I need more money, do I feel like I can’t receive more? How do I perceive myself in my God? Is He who He says He is? I will take Him at His word. God blesses us at our level of obedience. Do I have a lack, or is it a space where God can come in and be my strength and inspiration? I don’t want to fill my time and space with things not from God. Perhaps the lack I perceive isn’t a lack but an area in which I need to lean more on God. Maybe my perception is wrong. Instead of focusing on the unfulfilled desire, let’s focus on the One who can provide those desires.
Rejoice
So, I believe there is always an opportunity to rejoice. Amid a perceived lack, where can I find joy? I find joy knowing that God does hear and answer my prayers. I rejoice because He has blessed me so richly. God will give the desires of my heart when I delight in Him. I take account of what I have and give thanks. It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have. Let’s start to focus on what we do have. Once we focus on our blessings, we see that we lack no good thing.