Do you ever catch yourself focusing a little too much on your growing list of needs only to realize that when you do, it never leaves you in a very good place?  

I’ve spent a lot of years trying to chase down whatever it is I think I need next. Well, I might call them “needs,” but “wants” is probably a better descriptor. And I must say that the pursuit of constantly seeking “more” is nothing short of exhausting. It leaves me feeling empty and frustrated, like I’m not enough, and that I will never measure up. Being self-consumed prevents thoughts of gratitude from being recognized felt, or expressed. And when the need is fulfilled, it doesn’t provide the long-term return on investment I was anticipating all along. In truth, I don’t know how it could because I tend to put such unrealistic expectations on that need and what I insisted it was going to do for me or bring more of to my life.  

It’s not that you and me having needs, wants, and desires is, in and of itself, bad. It’s just that we start to get thrown off course a little or a lot when our list of needs becomes our primary focus. In my experience, what happens next is this. I lose sight of my need for Jesus.  

When things get out of balance, I need to remember that my greatest need that scratches out every other need on my list is this- I need Jesus! My hope and prayer is that you, too, recognize your need for Jesus. He is pursuing you and I. He wants to do a work in our hearts. He desired a personal relationship with each of us. He’s ready and waiting for you and I. Saying “yes” to Him is the best decision you and I will ever make. It changes our future in ways we could never dream or imagine. It secures our place in eternity. More of Jesus, less of us. More love, joy, peace, mercy, forgiveness, and hope than we can wrap our heads around.