Our sub-theme through Easter is “Salt and Light: The Church’s Influence in a Secular Culture.” Each week we are considering the influence that we as Christians can have on the broader culture. This week we are looking at the power of truth. There are many truths to which the gospel bears witness: God as creator, the fall of man, the resurrection of Jesus, the offer of salvation in Christ, morals, and many others. One truth is both profound and personal. That truth is that every human being – whether great or small, rich or poor, white or black, educated or illiterate – needs God. It is really that simple. In a world that emphasizes a hierarchy of physical and emotional needs, we loudly proclaim the ultimate spiritual need that everyone has. WE NEED GOD.
We are created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27) and therefore have the ability and need to relate to Him and connect meaningfully with Him. In Jesus’ prayer for his disciples, he taught us that eternal life is to “know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3). Paul exults in the fact that preaching the gospel is of fundamental importance because it aids in reconciling people with their God, which is their most basic need (II Cor. 5:11-21). This truth resounds through the ages and in every generation and in every part of the world. People desperately need God; you really need God. I need God. Augustine, the 5th Century Christian writer, said it well when he confessed this to God: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Indeed our lives are restless and incomplete apart from our creator.
Today, I encourage the church to pause and reflect on our need for God. We truly need him for life eternal but also for the daily issues we deal with. Whatever your situation is – whether burdened and stressed or happy and carefree – take some time today to confess your need for God and allow him to come and bring you peace.
In 1872 a busy homemaker by the name of Annie Hawks was suddenly overcome by an abiding sense of her need for God and penned a poetic prayer that has become a classic Christian hymn. Take a minute today and pray this prayer and confess your need for God. Blessings. Darren
I Need Thee Every Hour
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessèd Son.