Just like a fish needs water in order to survive and a plant needs soil in order to grow, we need God because there’s an emptiness within us that only He can fill. We need everything He promises to us. Life can be pressurised and busy, but God promises rest. He says: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Life can hurt, but God heals. ‘He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds’ (Psalm 147:3 NIVUK). Life can cause fear and anxiety, but God offers peace. ‘The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:7 NIV). Life can make us feel like we have to strive for what we need, God promises to provide for all our needs. ‘God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:19 NIV). Life can leave us feeling weak, God offers His strength. ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength’ (Isaiah 40:31 NIV). God wants us to surrender to Him. He knows what we need and He’s willing to provide it. We just need to let go of the control we’re holding on to. Jesus used the analogy of a vine to try and show us that we need Him. He said: ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5 NIV). When we recognise how much we need God, we’ll never want to live life apart from Him again.

What Now?

What do you need from God today? Peace? Rest? Strength? Spend some time asking Him for it.