When I ask Lyn, "What do you want for Christmas?" Her response is usually, "Oh, I don't need a thing." But, that doesn't mean I skip the gift. I have a need to give her something I want her to have. What kind of need is that?

I have days when life seems cloaked in neediness; how about you? Have you got the basics covered? Many don't, you know. But, their basic real need doesn't diminish the presence or intensity of your own tightly-held personal needs. So, what do you need?

It could be...
...a real need: a job, food to eat, a home, transportation, good health, security, safety, friends, etc.
...a felt need: comfort, hope, love, courage, meaning, forgiveness, generosity, respect, wonder, humor, confidence, etc.
...a momentary need: coping in crisis, healing in brokenness, sexual fulfillment, sense of accomplishment. freedom from injustice, new discovery, recreation, awe in worship, service beyond self, etc.
...an anticipatory need: moving forward, getting out of the rut, re-thinking convictions, cleansing the heart, learning to listen, growing in faith, conquering demons, etc.

Tragically, most of our need discussions focus on what we want, not on what we need.

Needs tend to be carefully covered with layers of privacy stickers and fine print. My Facebook friend Jennifer said, "It's so hard to dismantle the wall of self-sufficiency and the mask of 'I'm ok and I don't need anyone's help.' As a single mom of 3, I have to wear the 'tough guy' mask for my kids all day. It's hard to take it off." She is not alone.

So, what's next? Forget the needs assessment processes and take your secrets straight to the top. Talk to God. He has a proven track record of success. Take off the mask and trust HIM to do HIS thing. He has a direct line to your messy secrets and the chaos under the mask. Remember he has a personal interest in you. He has a need, yes God has a need to love you, to lift you, to give you life, and to delight in your connection. 

Your needs are in good hands with the Creator. He knows your real needs, your felt-needs, your momentary needs,  and your anticipatory needs. He even meets the "out-of-the-box, crazy needs; and, after some retooling, he tackles the sensual needs. He made us, he knows us better than we know ourselves. It takes us a lifetime of growing awareness to understand our hidden selves, but God understands already and he loves to connect with us in our neediness. After all, he sent jesus to save us.

God has a need to give us what he wants us to have. So, ready for the divine connection?