The theme of “Finding God in All Things” for this year’s retreat actually poses an important question to us: “Do we need God?” Or conversely, it is God asking us, “Do you need me?” This is a question worth pondering.

In the process of growing up, we are taught to be “independent”, to take care of our own needs, and this “handle it yourself” mentality becomes deeply ingrained. “Don’t bother others” becomes our mantra. On the surface, it may seem polite and considerate of others, but beneath it may hide a sense of pride, a reluctance to show our weakness. Or at least we do not let others know about our problems and the fact that we are unable to solve our own problems.

Under the influence of this mindset, besides being deceived by the hidden pride, we are also blindfolded by our “false self” about what we truly need and the reality of our actual situation. This “self-sufficient” mentality stifles the mutual trust and support we could build with others in neighbourly relationships, and more importantly, it stifles our ability to establish the right relationship with God. Without having a proper and healthy relationship with God, let alone establishing an “intimate relationship” with Him!

It’s important to know that God created humans in relationships, and humans live within relationships just as God, being a Trinitarian God.

Therefore, humans are inherently social beings, and the concept of “self-sufficiency” is fundamentally flawed; from the beginning of creation, such thinking was not in line with God’s intention. The basis of “self-sufficiency” lies in “pride” and “distrust of God”, a crude tactic used by the enemy to derail our normal relationship with God.

God created everything in the world for us to enjoy and manage based on our relationships with all things and with God. We depend on all things for our survival, and all things, including ourselves, depend on God for sustenance. This interdependence makes us mutually necessary and reliant on each other. It is the original intention and vision of God for all things to be united and harmonious in Him, and humanity is entrusted by God to be the executor and steward.

Therefore, the deviation of “self-sufficiency” strays far from God’s will. While we essentially depend on God for our existence, our mindset and behaviour do not reflect that dependence; we erroneously believe we are “self-sufficient“. This mentality discourages us from seeking God in all things but rather drives us to seek our own benefits in everything. Although we essentially need to rely on other things to survive, we attribute it to our own abilities. Therefore, God’s question to us, “Do you need me?” is worth careful consideration. Otherwise, the theme of this retreat, “Finding God in All Things” would mean nothing to us.

Apart from our mindset, our lifestyles and habits largely determine whether we live by the principle of “self-sufficiency”. When we are living in abundance, we tend to be less aware of our need for God. Isn’t it natural?

The more prosperous the cities we live in, the more materially abundant we are, the harder it is for us to feel the need for God, let alone finding Him in all things.

Therefore, the three Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving call us to re-experience that we are needy, that we need God! Fasting reminds us of our physical needs; prayer, our spiritual needs; and almsgiving makes us aware of the needs of others and encourages us to lend a helping hand. These three Lenten practices also help us wake up from affluent living, shifting from blindly pursuing and satisfying surface-level needs to discovering and understanding our hidden inner and spiritual needs.

The more we know our own needs, the more we can understand and see ourselves clearly. This awareness is crucial in helping us build relationships with others and, more importantly, in understanding how to establish a genuine and intimate relationship with God.

Ultimately, this authentic relationship with God can help us keep a distance from the devil, as it will try to set traps and lead us into temptation. The devil deceives us, making us refrain from openly expressing our needs because we fear others may look down on us. In doing so, we deviate from the Father’s desire for us to trust and depend on Him. This reliance, originating from created beings leaning on the Creator, evolves into a relationship where children trust their Father due to the love the Father has for us.

Reflection

Have you ever experienced in some relationships in your life that the other person only comes to you for their own benefit, and it feels like they do not respect your feelings and needs? The feeling of being taken advantage of is very hurtful. Has this ever happened to you in your relationship with God?

If God were to ask you, “Do you need me?” How would you respond to Him?

Today’s Prayer

My dear Lord, I thank You for allowing me to feel Your gentleness as I reflect today. I know You never desire to impose Your will and love on me, which makes You a passive lover in our relationship, always waiting for me to draw near to You, to tell you how much I need You…

Lord, help me break free from this pattern. Remind me and make me realize how important You are to me, how You desire for me to turn to You, and to return to Your side.

Lord, I need You. O, Lord, I really need You…

Fundraising Appeal

The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding God in All Things” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Project Manager: Michael Lam
Writer: Paul Yeung
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Translators: Bonny Chan
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrators: Bonny Chan
Mandarin Narrators: Rene Ren
Audio Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Arnold Chan
Graphics: Francis Lai, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Theme Music:
“Friends Only” by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist
“Watercolor Lilies” by Aaron Kenny https://youtube.com/@contactkennya