All Means All

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NKJV

I have often looked at this verse and seen it only in context with physical needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. This morning, God is inviting me to broaden my view! He knows that I have needs that go beyond the physical aspects of my life. After all, I not only have a body, I have a soul and a spirit. Some of my needs are certainly external but many are internal. I know this to be true: all means all! God desires for me to see Him as the One who meets not only my physical needs, but my emotional, spiritual, and social needs as well.

Often times disappointment marks my path because I have intentionally or unintentionally placed my expectations upon people to meet my needs. Especially the internal needs. I look to them for acceptance, approval, affirmation, comfort, and love. And I will be honest, it feels wonderful when they are able to give me those things. The problem comes when my needs exceed their ability or willingness to give me what I am craving. The cycle is all too familiar. I sense a need, look to a person to meet it, face disappointment, experience a feeling of depravation and anger, walk in shame for seeing this part of myself, and eventually crumble in a heap. Once again I am confronted with a choice. Continue the cycle or break it!

For me, the breaking of the cycle is only possible as I take my expectations off individuals and place them entirely upon God. It is an act of my will God waits for me to put into words. So my prayer may sound something like this: “Father, once again, I take my expectations off __________ and place them entirely upon You. I release them from my need for them to be what only You can be and do what only You can do. I accept Your words of provision to me. Forgive me for running after my idols of flesh and blood. You are the One who supplies ALL I need and I praise You for that! In Jesus precious and powerful name I pray. Amen.”

It is a prayer that God delights in and honors. Instantly, the chains of dependency on others are broken and raw emotions are healed. Each time the issue resurfaces I will have to choose to take the same steps toward freedom. I joy in such truth! I now invite others who struggle in this area to do what I have learned to do. You will not be disappointed when the expectations are transferred over to the only One who is able to meet them. He is waiting for you to take Him up on His extravagant offer of supply!

Father, this is an ongoing battle for me but You supply the victory every time. Thank you for faithfully teaching me how to apply Your Word to my life. Amen.