When I’m deprived, how should I respond? - Deprivation - TouchPoints

1 Samuel 1:2, 11, 20, 27Peninnah had children, while Hannah did not . . . And she made this vow: “O Lord Almighty, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you” . . . and in due time she gave birth to a son . . . I asked the Lord to give me this child, and he has given me my request.

Psalm 33:17-21Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love . . . In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name.

Psalm 37:17-19For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive a reward that lasts forever. They will survive through hard times . . .

Psalm 50:15Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.

When you get less of something, ask if God wants you to have more of something else. It is important to go to God with your hurt and trust him to show you what you really lack, and what you really need.

Luke 12:15Then he said, “Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own.”

Luke 9:25And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process?

Luke 12:31He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

Proverbs 30:8First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.

Ecclesiastes 6:9Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless; it is like chasing the wind.

In a world where success is often measured by our possessions and the size of our bank accounts, it can be hard to be content with what the Lord has given us. When we don’t get what we want, God may be trying to refocus our eyes on him and what he wants for us. When we align your priorities with God’s, we recognize and enjoy what he has given us.

John 11:19and many of the people had come to pay their respects and console Martha and Mary on their loss.

Do not deprive yourself of the comfort others can offer. Losing a loved one may help you gain the love and comfort of other loved ones.

Psalm 86:4Give me happiness, O Lord, for my life depends on you.

Habakkuk 3:18yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.

Lamentations 3:18-22I cry out . . . “Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!” The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve . . . Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction.

2 Corinthians 8:2Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity.

The joy of the Lord may grow from material deprivation. Spiritual joy does not depend on material excess. How silly of us to say we have nothing when we are  children of the God who created everything. We must learn to value the priceless gifts God has already given us.