Want
"There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want" (4270 - machsor = want).
Proverbs 11:24 AMPC
4270. machsor ►
Strong's Concordance
machsor: a need, thing needed, poverty
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from chaser (2637)
2637. chaser ►
Strong's Concordance
chaser: to lack, need, be lacking, decrease, …become empty (1), decreased (2), depriving (1), empty (1), have...lack (1), lack (2), lacked (2), lacking (4), lacks (2), made him a lower (1), need (1), scarce (1), want (3), withhold (1).
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want "(2637 - chaser = want).
Psalms 23:1 NKJV
Want, lack, need, and desire all have a commonality. They exist in one's mind, and are therefore only real if we believe them to be. This concept may seem illogical, but the truth of it falls under the idea of perception becoming our reality. Our chosen perspective about situations and circumstances determines if we will experience want, lack, need, or desire, and therefore, suffering; or if we will experience contentment, which leads to peace and joy.
The apostle Paul spoke on this when he described "the secret" (Philippians 4:10-20).
"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:"
Philippians 4:11 NKJV
Job learned humility and contentment as well. In the midst of his suffering he states,
“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”
Job 2:10 NKJV
Again, Job states the internal perspective that he had already resolved within his mind,
"Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
Job 13:15a NKJV
Our perspective should never be one to give into fear, want, lack, need, or desire. We should not urgently or forcefully remind God of our need(s). Nor do we need to pursue such things presumptuously. We only need to remind ourselves that He already knows our needs, and He does meet them.
“For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."
Matthew 6:8 NKJV
If needs appear to be unmet then our perspective is incorrect. The truth is that we must align our perspective with His, not His with ours. Our position should always be one of humility, acceptance, and contentment.
We should remain cautious, sober, and alert so that we can recognize the subtle temptations to want, desire, crave, need, etc. These flow from the greatest deception, the same deception which is said to have occurred in the Garden of Eden, "that we lack a good thing".
We never lack!
"The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing."
Psalms 34:10 NKJV
Which is why we should "take every thought, [feeling, and desire] captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Changing our wants and desires into something less demanding, less prideful, and less pretentious.
The truth is, God will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). When we notice a want, desire, craving, etc., we should be quick to align this thought/feeling with truth, "making it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Simply change your perspective and tell yourself, "I may prefer, intend, or appreciate a certain thing to be a certain way, but either way, I will be content. I will accept what He gives and what He takes away. I will trust. I shall not want."
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