One of the strange ironies of human existence is that all of us are weak and needy, but we try to project the impression that we are strong and self-sufficient. I’m sure that pride is at the root of this, but its still strange to observe. Were like the emperor in the familiar story, proudly strutting down the street to show off our new clothes, when in fact were stark naked.
For example, every one of us is physically frail, but we act as if were going to live forever. Even if youre young and in good health, there are many ways that you could die before this day is over.
Every one of us is financially frail and needy. Again, someone may protest, I have got adequate investments and properties that I own that will more than meet my future needs. I have got a great job with seniority. I’m sure that Saddam Hussein had similar thoughts about a year before we invaded Iraq! But his investments and job security didn’t do him much good then. Jesus warned about the man who thought that he had achieved financial security, but God demanded his soul of him that very night (Luke 12:15-21).
Our bodies and our finances are only two areas, but pick any area of life that you wish, and the conclusions are the same: you are weak, vulnerable, and needy. Emotionally, maybe youre doing great today, but tomorrow a series of tragedies could hit you as they hit Job, and you would be shattered. Nothing in this life is a sure basis for security except for God! He designed it that way so that we would be driven to trust in Him for every need. But in spite of the obvious truth of this, we madly scramble to find our security in other things.
The church of Laodicea thought that they had it together. They said, I am rich and have become wealthy and have need of nothing. God had a slightly different opinion: you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked (Rev. 3:17). There could hardly be a greater contrast! How could a church think that they were rich, wealthy, and in need of nothing, and yet God sees them as wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked?
The irony is, when we see ourselves as God sees us, recognizing our desperate need for Him, and cry out to Him, He is ready to flood us with His abundant blessings. As Mary acknowledged, He has filled the hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed (Luke 1:53). When we come hungry to God, He fills us.
When we think were rich and don’t need God, He sends us away empty-handed. This is great news that the only requirement for receiving Gods abundant blessings is to come to Him as a desperate, needy sinner and ask for mercy. He delights to provide for those who rely on Him.
