Brokeness. Pain. Despair. Loss.
Trials. Tragedy. Failure.

These are places men often realize we need something beyond ourselves to help us—to help ease pain, comfort us, encourage us, heal our wounds, rebuild our lives, etc.

These are places we really become needy.

On the surface, a needy man sounds weak and pitiful. But there is a “neediness” that is good, and I believe a man who is truly needy, and realizes it, is in a far better place—circumstances aside—than a needless man.

Defining Neediness

Blessed—truly happy—are the poor in spirit—spiritually needy men who see their need for a God who can rescue them and place their feet on solid ground.

Our God-neediness is often found in the hardest places, in the most desperate circumstances. Take, for example, divorce—a time when men seem to be most likely to reach out to other men for support.

Who we turn to, and where we turn, matters. Look where David turned:

But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O Lord, do not delay. Psalms 70:5

Neediness and Humility

Our neediness is linked to our humility, and there are various shades of humility we are moving through as men. Life and circumstances seem to have a knack for revealing this.

But humility—a real humbling—is the starting point for the greatest work in our lives to begin; the start of our movement toward the real purpose God has for our lives.

Because our neediness is discovered in humility—our eyes only begin to see in that heart condition. To see what we truly need, ask God for His help, and look to see Him working.

We must be humble to see God at work. And real gladness comes from seeing God at work. Humility is our starting point.

What does it take to humble us? I think it is different for every man to reach that needy and “ready” spot of humility, where we recognize our need for God’s help. Sadly, not all men arrive here.

I would much rather be a needy man, than a man who thinks he needs nothing.

Where Are You Today?

No matter how bleak your situation appears, if your heart is ready to receive God’s help and love—you may be in a much better place than you may realize. Remember, for this is true,

The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people. Psalm 69:32–33

Turn to Him today.

Alex Gerber
gerberxc@gmail.com

Photo: I took the photo above in the height of my neediness, the hardest part of my life in 2023. I was reminded each day of God’s goodness towards me through the morning sunrises.