Those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

Psalm 34:10

If the toilet paper crisis of 2020 is any indication, most people are focused on what they lack, rather than on what they already have. For many weeks, people who found toilet paper on store shelves celebrated as if they’d just won the lottery, rather than something that would soon be flushed. But we Americans tend to panic a little when things we need run low. Whether it is food, money, time, or clean underwear, there is great comfort in knowing that our needs will be met. 

Many of us tend to live with a scarcity mindset. We constantly take stock of what we have and seek to get more of what we THINK we need. We become increasingly uncomfortable with the possibly of not having enough. The toilet paper crisis had nothing to do with not having enough toilet paper to go around. It had everything to do with people panic-buying and hoarding because of selfishness, greed, and fear. But our God is a God of abundance, not a God of scarcity. He has no shortages and He always meets our needs, but He doesn’t always bless our wants or our impulses. When we have everything we want and everything we need, it isn’t our natural tendency to thank Him for the blessings; it’s our tendency to become more and more self-reliant and forget about His constant, generous provision. 

God has all the blessings you could ever possibly imagine already stored up for you. He just wants you to honor Him and trust Him for everything you need (Psalm 31:19). Finding comfort in having enough toilet paper certainly won’t get you very far. But finding true comfort and strength and hope in the Savior of the World who loves you, sustains you, and meets your every need is infinitely better than winning the toilet paper lottery. The most valuable thing in your life, your eternal relationship with Jesus, has already been generously given and gratefully received. It did not come through panic, greed, fear, or grocery store shelves—it came through the sharp nails on a rough, wooden cross. So trust in the Lord! He will fill you to overflowing with joy, love, peace, goodness, plenty of toilet paper, and every other good thing He has chosen just for you. Thank Him for the blessings! You are loved! 

He is a wise man who does not grieve for that which he has not,

but rejoices for those which he has.

~Epictetus