From the time we are born, we are constantly “in need” of something or someone. As a baby, our greatest need is for someone to do everything for us. Time eventually progresses, and we end up as adults who are able to take care of ourselves with much less dependency on others. However, there’s still somewhat of a need for other people that we’ll never fully escape. Because we are naturally inclined to interact with others, the thought of not being in need of anything or anyone is hard for us to fathom, but have you ever considered that God is the exact opposite of us in that He doesn’t need anything or anyone?
Look at what’s written in Acts 17:24-25… The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
As I reflect on these verses, I’m quickly reminded of God’s power, self-sufficiency, and sovereignty. There’s no question as to His might and capabilities. Regardless of what I do or don’t do, God is still God, and this applies to every single one of us. There’s nothing you can do that will impact His position as Lord of this universe over all things past, present, and future. He is not shaken, changed, or impacted by any human or earthly thing. I cannot fully understand what this means, which if I’m honest, brings me to an even greater place of awe and wonder before Him. Yes, I know you probably know these things already, but do you really think about them?… God is ultimately, in every way possible, not in need of anything or anyone.
Then, in response to this mind blowing truth, I was reminded of another truth that’s even more amazing… What can top the realization that God is in need of nothing? How about this?…
This same God, who is all-knowing, always present, and perfect in all things, WANTS YOU TO KNOW HIM! That’s right, this God who doesn’t “need” anything or anyone, “wants” a relationship with you. Again, many of you may already know this, but have you thought about it from this perspective? He will be God whether you acknowledge Him or not, so He doesn’t need you to do anything for Him, but instead, He wants you to know Him and He wants to know you.
Going back to the verses in Acts that I referenced earlier, look at what is written next in verses 26-28… And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for “‘In him we live and move and have our being”
Maybe you’ve been wondering if it really matters whether or not you seek God and find your identity in Him? To tell you the truth, it won’t change anything about God if you seek Him or not because who He is doesn’t dependent on what you do. However, if you decide to seek Him out, you will change, and it will be change for the better. From the very core of who you are, your desires, thoughts, and motivations for living, God will begin to guide you into the plans He has for you because He WANTS you to experience what’s best for you. He doesn’t need you to do this, and that’s the good news. It’s like the ultimate gift with absolutely ZERO strings attached. If we are going to believe in God and follow His ways, then thankfully we follow Him as the ONE who actually doesn’t need us to follow Him.
Give these things some thought. Try to wrap your mind around these amazing truths. I’m going to assume though you’ll never fully comprehend them, so maybe instead of trying to understand them you should just take steps toward embracing the ONE who loves you, cares for you, and longs to guide you simply because He WANTS to and does not NEED to!
