Then life happens and that peace evaporates quickly. Doubt and unbelief come creeping back in and steal all my joy. Guilt floods over me and I beat myself up for needing reassurance all over again. Why can’t I just believe God the first time? Or second? Or 341st? Why do the doubts constantly reappear? Surely, God must be sick of me constantly asking. I’m on His nerves by now, right?

I was talking to Him about this a couple weeks ago and He answered in the most beautiful and unexpected way. A friend on Facebook shared a story that touched me deeply. She and her husband had recently adopted a child and attended a conference for adoptive and foster parents. One of the speakers told a story about her “bowl of yeses.” On their kitchen table she placed a bowl full of healthy snacks that her foster child could have any time they wanted. (Food is often a huge issue with kids in foster care because of the lack of it in many cases.) Their child could choose something out of the bowl anytime but there was one requirement. They had to ask. Their child thought this was ridiculous because they were perfectly capable of getting their own snack without having to ask. But the mom’s response was so tender. The foster child had grown up in such hard circumstances and had always heard “no.” She had to take care of herself because no one else would. The foster mom wanted to give this child the opportunity to hear “yes” over and over instead of “no.” She wanted to meet the child’s needs and provide for her so the child could build trust. She wanted to be able to say “yes,” meet the need, and show her love.

As I read this story, my Father said to me, “It’s ok that you need to constantly seek my reassurance and encouragement. I want to tell you “yes” and provide for you everything you need. You’ve thought you had to provide for yourself and take care of yourself for too long. That’s my job and I want to tell you “yes” over and over. Never be ashamed or feel guilty for coming to Me with your needs. I want you to. I’m the only One who can truly know all your needs and meet them perfectly.”

Wow! Wow, wow, wow.

Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) My Father will meet ALL my needs; not some, not a couple, but all. Every. Single. Time. And the best part is, He wants to.

He wants to do this for you too. What are your needs? Run to Him and let Him tell you “yes” over and over. We may have to wait for the fulfillment of a specific promise but He will always, always meet our needs.

2 Corinthians 1:20a “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.” (NIV)