4 of the Most Important Things You Need for Life
What are the important things you need most in life?
What if I told you the four things the Bible says you and I need most aren’t “things” at all?
Solomon wrote…
Get the truth and never sell it;
Proverbs 23:23
also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
More than anything we need…
- Truth
- Wisdom
- Discipline
- Good Judgment
Last time, we talked about Jesus being the TRUTH…
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
The Truth that sets us free…
“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32
And in prayer before His suffering and death, He said…
“Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth.”
John 17:17
God’s Word is truth and when you and I humbly SEEK a closer relationship with the Lord through His Word, by His grace, He blesses us with wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
Think about it … is there anything in this life we need more than truth, wisdom, discipline, and good judgment?
Knowing and having the truth helps us identify the enemy’s lies. And having the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, hidden in our hearts helps us resist him when he tempts and confronts us.
Wisdom is what we need to know what to do when life throws difficult situations at us.
Discipline is necessary to do what we know we are supposed to do, even when it’s difficult.
Good judgment is discernment … it’s what we need to know the difference between right and wrong, truth and lies, helpful and harmful, and obedient and sinful.
Can you imagine the difference it would make in our lives if we could consistently know the truth to live with wisdom, discipline, and good judgment?
It’s funny though … well, not haha funny but peculiar funny, that we so often look for satisfaction and meaning in temporary and trivial things. We tend to love the created rather than the Creator. We seek worldly answers rather than godly wisdom. We follow cultural norms rather than godly discipline. And we sacrifice good judgment for instant gratification.
That’s why we need Jesus, the Savior. We need to humbly repent of our foolish past and surrender in faith to all that He wants for us. Because then and only then will we be able to enjoy the blessings of absolute truth, wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
It is only through a relationship with Him that we can KNOW, TRUST, LOVE, and OBEY.
Paul wrote…
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Through faith in Jesus and the power of His Spirit living with and within us … it is possible for us to have the four most important things we need for life.
So, let’s pray and surrender our lives to the Savior…
A Prayer of Personal Surrender to Have
the Most Important Things Needed for Life
Father, Thank you for giving us Your Word and making it possible for us to know the absolute truth for life … the truth that You are love and sent Jesus to be our Lord and Savior.
Your Word says the truth is You want everyone to know Jesus and be saved. (1 Timothy 2:4–5) He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6) His Spirit is with and within all who love and trust Him. (John 14:17)
Your Word promises that I can ask You for wisdom and You will give it to me. (James 1:5) It tells me that wisdom from You will show me the way of life. (Proverbs 4:11)
Your Word tells me what You want me to do and Your Spirit strengthens me each day to have the discipline to trust and obey Your will. It promises that Your Spirit will give my surrendered heart good judgment to make decisions that will bless me according to Your plans and purposes for me.
So, I give myself to You. I surrender my heart, my mind, my soul, my strength. I surrender my all to You, my Savior and my God. You are the Lord of my life. Thank you for giving me the most important things needed for life. Amen.
Finally, there is one more important thing you and I need for life.
We need love! We were created for love … to be loved by God and others and to love God and others.
Jesus confirmed that the most important commandments are…
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 10:27
If you and I want to have truth, wisdom, discipline, and good judgment, we will make love for God and others our highest priority.
That’s a lot, isn’t it? I have to admit as I think about those things that are most important, I fall short on my own. I don’t. I can’t.
But God can and does … and He promises to work in lives that are completely surrendered to Him.
So, let’s surrender. May we daily give ourselves to the Lord and invite Him to give us the most important things we need to live the life He wants for us and enjoy the blessings of His unfailing love.
“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
Romans 8:38
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Please pray that additional sources of income will arrive so that I can continue to pay my bills and not have to depend on others. I am looking for another job opportunity but this far none that are suitable have I been contacted about. I worry for my Mom who is soon turning 94, and I pray my sister can remain strong who is helping her. I worry and pray that my children find happiness in their lives. I pray for peace in my heart, and that I become a better follower of God. I pray for the devoted people who pray for people like myself!!!! Amen
I’m praying for you, Nancy, and asking God to be with you and meet every need. God bless you!
Thank you so very much Deb, I want to get closer to God in my relationship with Him, your articles are so influential and inspiring! Amen 🙏 Nancy Gonzalez
Thank you, Nancy! I am so blessed by your visits and your kind encouragement.
Nancy, I too am praying for you. I pray that your job needs will be met very soon. God bless you!
Thank you 🙏, I just heard my mom has a skin infection may be osteomyelitis, she’s my first concern, but I am facing tough financial difficulties. All prayers are so appreciated! Amen to you- thank you for your kindness!
Nancy,
We are all praying for you and your family and for your Mother. You have a good support system with the people who are on this site. Deb is wonderful and I know without a doubt that she and Rev have you in their prayers. Lots of loyal, good prayer warriors are here for you.
Hugs,
Sue
Thank you, the prayers from this group are a tremendous comfort, and the support is amazing especially when facing more than one setback. Amen 🙏
Gid bless u deb and u all.from Dawn christy
Thank you, Dawn. God bless you!
Surrender is my word for 2024, Deb, so all you’ve written here takes on an even deeper meaning for me as I engage in this journey. Let me ever and always surrender to God’s will for my life.
Blessings!
Humbly surrendered to the Lord is the best place to live each day. It is my constant prayer to live completely surrendered to His grace, mercy, and love … trusting His perfect plans and purposes. God’s blessings, Martha!
I am putting the four words on my frig as a daily reminder of what I need and of course I practice the first and greatest commandment always. Thank you Deb, for the simplicity of these four words, but oh the great meaning they give to my heart! All of your posts are so helpful and insightful and offer such hope and encouragement and direction!! And even when I am unable to comment, I so love and get fed by your words and all the comments! Everyone has such lovely hearts and devotion to our Holy and Sovereign Lord and Savior! Currently, my father-in-law, Vic, who was admitted to the hospital for covid, but also has other age related issues will be in hospice care now. He is 92 and been going down hill for a while now. Please keep us in your prayers and I will continue in prayer and thought for you, Deb and all your devoted readers! I am so very thankful for everyone here!!
Kathy,
I have you and your family in my prayers. You have been heavy on my heart for the last few days. Now I understand why. Please know that you are in thoughts, prayers and in my heart.
Much love,
Sue
Thank you sooo much, Sue. We certainly need your prayers and so appreciate you thinking of me. In fact, they called a few minutes ago and finally got him transported to hospice house. I am trying to get a few things together to be ready to leave for Nashville. Only God knows the timing, but we know He is with us and Vic will be well taken care of and not have to unduly suffer. Ken’s brother is with him, but doubt’s he even knows he was moved. If I don’t get to comment for a few times, please know I will still be reading Deb’s posts and the comments. In fact, your comment today was so beautiful and up lifting. The beauty of your heart and spirit comes across all the miles to comfort and encourage me…thank you for being the dear and sweet friend I have found in you! Without a doubt, God meant for our paths to cross! I will let you and Deb know and hopefully in the waiting, I can send along a comment. Bless you, and I keep you in my thoughts and prayers too. Love and hugs, my special pen pal!
Prayers for you and Ken and Ken’s family. This is a hard time for you all. Prayers for Vic as well. I am sure he is in good hands and God is watching over him. You are a strong family and I can see it in your posts and comments. It is so heartwarming the way you all support each other. Blessings to Ken’s brother who is close by Vic and can oversee everything and at the same time give you and Ken comfort. Please be safe in your drive to Nashville. We all will be praying for all of y’all. Know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You my sweet freind. When you have time, keep us posted.
Love and hugs,
Sue
Dear Kathy, we are praying for your father-in-law … asking God to give you all His peace and comfort throughout these days. May you have safe travel as well. We’re thinking about you and will continue praying. Blessings and hugs, dear friend!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers. It means so very much. I have missed my quiet mornings with you and all those who comment, and whose names are so familiar and the special friends I have made here. But I know God will bless me to be with all of you again soon…blessings and love to everyone. And I am praying for all the prayer requests too.
I’m praying for all of us who need to come together in prayer. God is Almighty and will lead us. He is our strength when we do not have our own! May we be strong for one another. Amen 🙏
You are most welcome, Kathy. We will continue praying you through this difficult season. Blessings and hugs, dear friend. Let us know if there is anything specific we can pray for you all.
Oh how I love that verse in Romans 8! It is one to read and ponder everyday. I am so thankful for the wisdom from God’s Word and for those, like you, who are so gifted in teaching this. Everyday I surrender myself to God, mostly before I get out of the bed in the mornings. I have learned that our trials do teach us trust and it is ongoing. A closer relationship with the Lord Jesus is my desire and I know that HE is the truth and the light and life of my life!
Thank you so much for this wonderful post today. God bless you my friend! Hugs!
Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible. It so clearly states God’s forgiveness and love … and I agree, it makes me want to surrender myself fully to the Lord. Blessings and hugs, dear friend.
Amen Deb thank you for the 4 most important words we need in our lives. Dear Lord Jesus please help me to surrender fully to you this year in order to know what to do when times get tough. Discipline to do the right thing in difficult situations. Good judgment to know when we do wrong to others and especially God. Please help Lord so I do not continue to sin and always have you in my life to do your will.
Have a blessed evening Deb and all the persons who follow your blog.
God bless you, Ana! You beautiful prayers are always a sweet blessing. Thank you!
This was very powerful and impactful message. Very well thought out. Thank you! This is so meaningful as I walk with the lord!
Thank you, Cindy. I am blessed by your kind encouragement. God be with you and bless you!
I’ve been a stay at home mom for 19 years. We have 5 children and also I take care of my mom now. I am struggling staying home and not having hobbies or friendships. I have been in survival mode for a long time and I am trying to figure out how to thrive. I need God’s direction and wisdom on how to do that His way. Please pray that I can figure this out for my physical and emotional well being. Thank you
God bless you, Christina! It is such a wonderful gift you have given your family by staying home to care for your family. It can feel lonely. I am praying that the Lord will send you in-person friends to encourage and bless you. I’d also like to invite you to join us here. We have a wonderful group of ladies who lift each other up in faith through prayer and encouraging comments. God be with you and give you everything you need each day!