I Need God

I write this sitting in a library at the university that I currently attend grad school at, the catch is, I attend online. This is only the second time I’ve come to campus to work in the library, I have access to the student wifi and I’m able to checkout book. It only makes sense to take advantage of these things. Not only do I pay tuition, I also tithe at my church and some of that money goes towards funding this specific university. So here I am witnessing where my money goes. The two best parts of today are the fact that my baby brother (who is taller than me and almost an adult) is on an official visit and because I got to go to chapel. Working in a church changes how I absorb worship services, I am usually working in some aspect. My senior pastor said that Sunday worship doesn’t count as hours worked because I’d be in church anyways. Physically, he’s correct but where I am at mentally is dramatically different. Today, at 10:20 I got to sit in a worship service and have no responsibilities. It was refreshing.

In chapel, I heard the song Abide by Dwell Songs and Aaron Williams for the first time. When I looked it up I realized it came out nearly three years ago, I am getting really behind on modern worship music now, must be a sign of aging. This song touched me deeply. Ill share the chorus of this song.

You’re the way the truth and the life

You’re the well that never runs dry

I’m the branch and You are the vine

Draw me close and teach me to abide

Dwell Songs, Aaron Williams

The theme of this song is depending on God. Jehovah Jireh, our provider, our only provider. We must depend on God in every circumstance. There is no plan that is more reliable than God. There is no government or job or earthly relationship we can depend on more than God. Yesterday morning, during the alter call the worship team sang a different song. I Need You More by Bethel Music. That chorus says. the following.

I need You more, more than yesterday
I need You more, more than words can say
I need You more than ever before
I need You, Lord
I need You, Lord

Bethel Music

This song touched me as deeply as the first because it relies on a simple concept. I am not far from God and I had God yesterday. Despite these facts, I need God more with each passing day. This is an indisputable fact. What is disputable is if we desire God more with each passing day. We should. This is the only way it should be because God is our only provider. Anything provided that is separate from God is worth less than a dirty penny.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, ^jso have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 

John 15:1-11. ESV

Jesus makes it clear that we need him and we’ll never stop needing him. A branch cannot bear fruit if it breaks off from the plant. Jesus is the plant, sending us nutrients that allow us to grow and eventually bear fruit. This cannot be done apart from Christ. I need Jesus. You need Jesus. We all need Jesus. Do you want Jesus more than you did yesterday? What would your life look like if you did? I urge you to look at how much you needed Jesus today and decide you want Jesus more tomorrow. Shalom.