The Fear of Being Without

I am kind of freaked out right now. Not supremely, but a bit.

It's the empty shelves. Having never lived outside the United States and having always had enough ... this is weird and a trifle scary for me.

Okay, I'm one of those people who stresses about having enough toilet paper in the house. My family makes fun of me, and it's been an inside joke for years. And now the shelves are empty. Always! Oh, there are signs on them that say things like, "We are getting new deliveries of paper goods daily." But usually, between the time of the delivery and when I can make it back to the store, the locusts descend ... and the shelves are once again bare.

Apocalypse!

No, it's not. It's still a First World Problem. Stop, think about what people used to do. We can still use the Sears catalog (wait, do they make those anymore?). The point is, we are spoiled. The rest of the world finds a way to survive every day without even one-tenth of the conveniences some of us deem vital.

And what does this say about my faith? What about Philippians 4:6-7, which many of us have memorized? Are these nice, comforting platitudes, or is God's Word real, active, and sharp? (Hebrews 4:12). Do I believe it? Will I ever truly be without the things I really need?

This passage makes it clear that our Heavenly Father will always care for us. All we need do is ask. Will we rest and trust in him alone? Good question.

Heavenly Father, thank you that you have this! None of these things surprise you, and you promise to care for your beloved ones. May I and all who know you rest in your love today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go Deeper — List some things you think you cannot do without. First, are they truly essential? Second, do you trust God to provide them?