How can I keep a clear distinction between my needs and wants? - Needs - TouchPoints

Psalm 23:1The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

Psalm 34:9Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need.

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.

Matthew 6:8, 32“Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! . . . These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.”

Philippians 4:11-12Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

1 Timothy 6:8So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

Hebrews 13:5Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

We will never be content if you focus on our wants, because we will always want more. That is why the Lord promises to supply our needs, not our wants. The more we focus on what the Lord values (for example, hunger and thirst for justice and righteousness—Matthew 5:6), the more we will be able to distinguish our wants from our needs. If we constantly feel discontented, we may be focusing more on what we want than on what God knows is best for us.