Troublesome situations can vary widely in type and severity. But whatever the problem, it often relates fundamentally to the belief that we can be deprived. Perhaps it's lack of basic necessities—food, clothing, shelter, neighborhood or national security. Yet even where these essentials are available, there can be other reasons for feeling deprived: absence of satisfying relationships, lack of fulfillment in one's occupation, concern when causes considered vital to the general good are not supported, or poor or unstable health.
On a wintry night some years ago, I had an experience that, though minor in relation to the whole question, taught me something helpful about praying to overcome deprivation. My husband and I attended a Wednesday testimony meeting at a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. Afterward a visitor commented about the small attendance. I expressed some views as to what may have been the reasons—difficult weather conditions, for one.
Later, as we drove from the church, a feeling of letdown started to grip my thought. I realized I was feeling deprived of a satisfying experience that evening. I asked myself: "What about God, then? After all, church is really a means for Him to be acknowledged and glorified. Does this mean God is being deprived?"
