The Heart’s Desire: Aligning Our Wishes with God’s Will
As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s easy to confuse our wants with our needs. We often plead with God to grant us what we think we require, without stopping to consider whether our desires align with His will. A child’s tantrum in a grocery store checkout line serves as a poignant reminder of this tendency.
A Child’s Plea
The little girl twists and turns, her eyes fixed on her mother’s face, as she begs for a coveted candy bar. Her mother’s gentle response, “Do you really need it?” prompts us to reflect on our own prayers. How often do we come to God with a laundry list of requests, mistaking our wants for necessities?
God’s Promise
Scripture tells us that God will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4), and Jesus promises to grant our requests in His name (John 14:13-14). However, there’s a crucial caveat: our desires must align with Jesus’ heart. When we seek to do God’s will, we can confidently ask in His name, knowing that our requests will be granted.
Jesus’ Example
What did Jesus ask for? He sought to do His Father’s will, to be a witness of obedience, and to have us by His side in Heaven. He asked for strength and endurance to complete His mission. God will satisfy our needs, just as He cares for the lilies of the field and the sparrows. But this doesn’t mean He’ll magically solve all our problems or grant us every whim.
God’s Will for Us
So, what is God’s will for us? Paul provides a clear answer in I Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” When we prioritize rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks, we can trust that God will supply everything we need to fulfill His purpose.
Discerning Needs from Wants
As we reflect on our desires, let’s ask ourselves: Do our wants honor God? Do we trust Him to satisfy our needs? By aligning our desires with God’s will, we can have confidence that He will provide everything we require.
Action Point
Take a moment to create two columns: one for your needs and one for your wants. Evaluate each want in light of God’s will. Do they honor Him? Do you trust God to meet your needs?
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