Poor & needy? Me?

We live in a society that exalts the 'put together'. You seem to get people who have it all together, they always look like a model, they have snacks, juice and a blanket for their kids and always seem so 'perfect'. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm often envious of these people. Yet God has a different view on this, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.", Jesus says in Matt 5:3. I don't know about you, but I certainly would like the kingdom of heaven!!! But this requires being 'poor in spirit'. What does this mean? For me it means admitting I am/have nothing and God has everything. In Psalm 40:17 David says, "But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay." Why did David, a rich king, see himself as poor and needy? It is because he recognized that without God he was and had nothing, and was in desperate need of God's help.

I like helping people, ask my friends.. but what I've come to notice is you CANNOT (or it's very difficult to) help someone who doesn't want to be helped. And it's the same with God- if you think you are all sorted, you are not in need, it is difficult for God to help you and  for you to accept it.

Yes, sometimes I'm an emotional wreck, and yes, sometimes I have more insecurities than I'd like to admit. But I'd rather realize I'm poor and needy so that I know I need God, than so put together that I think I'm fine without Him. We like to think we are in control (esp in Western world), that we have no need, but see what Jesus says to such a church Rev 3:17-20: "Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." May we not be blind to know how in need we truly are! May we be zealous for Him and repent of our spiritual blindness! May we not think we are rich, but meanwhile in need of Him.

"May the Lord bless you with the knowledge that you need him

May the Lord keep you in His loving & helping arms;

May the Lord make His face shine upon you in your distress,

And be gracious to you as you ask for help;

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you as you open your heart to Him,

And give you peace in knowing you are His.”