These are types of things we need. In verses 31-33 Christ basically says, "Look. Don't worry about food, drinks, and clothes. I know you need these things. Stick with Me, keep your focus on Me, and I'll take care of you."
Then there's Philippians 4:19: "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Both passages are so very true.
However, what are our needs? Are they simply food, drink, clothing, and shelter? A decent vehicle? A new washing machine? Money to pay medical bills? Someone to take care of the kids while you're working? A slug? A cicada?
Yes. I said a slug and a cicada. Back in the fall of 2005, during my last year of college, one evening I thought I needed a phone call or e-mail from a friend or something. It was a stressful time of the semester, and I needed something. I took a break from homework and studying to take a short walk around campus. God showed me a slug on the sidewalk. I smiled and picked it up. I like those slimy critters, and that's exactly what I needed. My King knew that. He knew I needed a slug. I was amazed. I didn't know I needed a slug, but Christ did. Before entering the dorm, God showed me a cicada on the ground in front of the door. Cicadas are one of my favorite insects, and my King knows that. I picked up that cicada with an even bigger smile on my face. I was amazed. I needed a slug, and Christ gave one to me. And He gave me a cicada as a gift. He gave me what I needed and more.
I was asking Christ for something I thought I needed, and He gave me something I needed. How many times do we ask Him for what we think we need? Matthew 6:8 says, "...for your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." In order for us to ask God for what we need, we have to know what we need, right? Well, I guess not. Because even before we know what to ask Him, He knows our needs and what He's going to do about them.
What if what we really need is a far cry from what we think we need? What if what we really need is to simply spend more time with Christ? What if what we really need is to continue trusting Him? What if what we really need is to read more of His Word? Are we willing to allow Christ to give us what we need? Or are we going to overlook it and keep asking for what we think we need? Don't get me wrong, it's okay to ask. Christ wants us to ask (Matthew 7:7-8). But, while we're asking for what we think we need, are we missing God's provision for what we really need?
If I would have been caught up in being stressed out and hoping for something, I wouldn't have noticed the slug on the sidewalk--God's provision for my need. And, if I hadn't noticed the slug, would God have still given me the cicada? I don't know. The slug was a provision, the cicada was a gift.
I'll leave you with this:
Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
God will provide what we need. And sometimes He'll amaze us even more when He chooses to give us a gift in addition to the provision.
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