Today on Thanksgiving Day, I’m thankful that my needs are met and my family is content – for the most part 
Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:34-36
As Americans we often say “I need a new ____” or “I need to replace ____” But in reality, we want a new_____ or want to replace _____ to make our life easier, but they aren’t necessary. There are only 3 basic needs and Americans tend to blow them way out of proportion just because that’s what everyone else around us is doing and we just don’t stop to think anything different.
Basic Need 1- Shelter
Our home is average sized with plenty of room for us. It’s not extravagant, mortgaged to the hilt, or decorated with fancy furnishings. The roof and foundation are in good condition to last us many years. We’re happy here and have lots of great memories to cherish. A house is often the best purchase anyone can make, but when you think about it, contentment is more about the people in it that make it a home, than the house.
Basic Need 2- Clothing
We have clothes for every season to keep our bodies warm and protected. $100 blue jeans and sneakers are nice, but not necessary. While not fancy, our clothes serve the purpose just fine.
Basic Need 3 – Food and Water
All humans need food and water. We appreciate that God has provided us with enough food to sustain our bodies. It’s not necessary to eat steak and gourmet foods on a regular basis, and we don’t feel we’re missing out on life because we don’t. From time to time it’s nice to eat out or grab a drink at the drive through, but we don’t feel it’s something we need or deserve every day – it’s simply a want.
The Bible says: “The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked” Proverbs 10:3 and “The righteous eat to their heart’s content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry” Proverbs 13:25
Emotional Needs- Entertainment and Companionship
While there’s no physical need for entertainment, it is an important emotional need. Yet there’s nothing that says entertainment must cost money. We’re content to enjoy each other’s company by playing games, watching TV, and otherwise just spending time together as a family.
Because we recognize that our needs are different from our wants and we are content with what we have, I believe God has blessed us by providing enough with some to spare. When we indulge our wants, we tend to want more and more and more and more (you get the picture).
I hope this Thanksgiving and coming Christmas season you are thankful for what God has provided to meet the needs of your family. When we’re thankful for what he’s provided, we’ll often find that it is enough.
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