Needing God
Jump to: TopicalLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of needing God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting humanity's inherent dependence on the divine for guidance, sustenance, and salvation. This need is rooted in the understanding of God as the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things.

Creation and Dependence

From the very beginning, Scripture establishes humanity's dependence on God. In Genesis 1:27, we read, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This foundational truth underscores that humans are not autonomous beings but are created by and for God. Our existence and purpose are intrinsically linked to Him.

Sustenance and Provision

The Bible frequently highlights God's role as the provider of all needs. In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus instructs, "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage emphasizes that God is aware of our needs and is faithful to provide for them as we prioritize His kingdom.

Guidance and Wisdom

Humanity's need for divine guidance is a recurring theme in Scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This counsel reflects the belief that human wisdom is insufficient and that true understanding and direction come from God.

Salvation and Redemption

The ultimate expression of humanity's need for God is found in the context of salvation. Romans 3:23-24 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the universal need for redemption and the provision of salvation through Jesus Christ, underscoring that reconciliation with God is not achievable through human effort but is a gift of grace.

Relationship and Fellowship

The need for God is also expressed in the desire for relationship and fellowship with Him. Psalm 42:1-2 poignantly captures this longing: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" This imagery conveys a deep spiritual thirst that can only be quenched by communion with the Creator.

Strength and Refuge

In times of trouble and weakness, the Bible portrays God as a source of strength and refuge. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This assurance provides comfort and hope, affirming that God is a reliable protector and sustainer in the face of life's challenges.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently affirms that needing God is an intrinsic aspect of human existence. From creation to redemption, from daily provision to eternal salvation, the Scriptures reveal a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, inviting them to rely on His wisdom, strength, and grace.
Topical Bible Verses
Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he shall sustain you: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 4:19
Why let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as to a faithful Creator.
Topicalbible.org

Library

A Miracle Needing Effort
... THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS A MIRACLE NEEDING EFFORT. 'So she went, and came
unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a miracle needing effort.htm

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob
... But bigness is not greatness, and there is nothing incredible in the belief that
men, lower than the angels, and needing God more because of their sin, do ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the lord of hosts the.htm

What is God's Will?
... for God. Even for the chance of God needing me it is worth while doing
this"the chance of Him needing me even once. There is a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/what is gods will.htm

A God in Pain
... changes of mortal life; always young, strong, beautiful, needing no help, needing
no pity ... Love to God was a new feeling, which first came into the world with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxv a god in.htm

Psalm LXX.
... He is truly Lord. For thou art not the very true Lord of thy servant:
both are men, both needing God. But if thou supposest thy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxx.htm

The Value of the Symbol of the Mouth among the Manich??ans, who ...
... been wise, and in want as needing health, and feeble as needing medicine, and miserable
as desiring happiness, all these things you profanely attribute to God. ...
/.../chapter 11 name value of.htm

Practical Observations.
... spiritual life. 2. They are not only blind, but beggars, unable to cure
themselves, needing help from God and man. 3. The miracles ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 18.htm

The Image Cannot Represent the True Form of God, Else God Would be ...
... and like things are not properties of God, but rather of earthly bodies.3. For while
God is incorporeal and incorruptible, and immortal, needing nothing for ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 22 the image cannot.htm

The Gnostic Aims at the Nearest Likeness Possible to God and his ...
... And for this reason we rightly do not sacrifice to God, who, needing nothing, supplies
all men with all things; but we glorify Him who gave Himself in ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the gnostic aims at.htm

Through Fire.
... God would attend to the furnace. Their part was simply to follow where He
led. And our God is needing just such acted messages to-day. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/through fire.htm

Resources
Did God create the universe? | GotQuestions.org

How does oppressing the poor show contempt for their Maker (Proverbs 14:31)? | GotQuestions.org

Are apparitions of Mary, such as Lady Fatima, true messages from God? | GotQuestions.org

Needing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Needing
Top of Page
Top of Page