Pivoting Our Desires: Learning to Want What God Wants
In a world where we're constantly bombarded with desires and wants, it's crucial to understand how to handle these feelings in a way that aligns with God's will. While wanting things isn't inherently bad, what matters most is who we turn to with our desires.
Why Do We Struggle with Our Desires?
We often develop laser focus when we want something - whether it's a relationship, material possessions, or career success. This intense focus can lead us down paths that may not align with God's plan for our lives. Like King Ahab in the Bible, our unmet desires can cause us to act irrationally or even destructively when we don't get what we want.
What's Wrong with Wanting Things?
Nothing is inherently wrong with having desires. God created us to want things like:
- Community
- Love
- Safety
- Beauty
- Connection with Him
The problem arises when we pursue these desires through wrong channels or place them above our relationship with God.
How Should Christians Handle Their Desires?
There are three key pivots we need to make:
- Pivot from shame and admit your hunger
- Bring your desires into the light
- Acknowledge your needs honestly before God
- Pivot your attention to God
- Spend regular time in prayer about your desires
- Cast your anxieties on Him
- Trust His timing and wisdom
- Pivot into God's perspective
- Allow Him to transform your desires
- Trust that He knows what's best for you
- Be open to His way of meeting your needs
What About When God Says No?
Sometimes God doesn't give us what we want because:
- We're not ready for it
- It's not His best for us
- He has something better in mind
- The timing isn't right
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to:
- Make a list of your current desires and wants
- Bring each one before God in prayer
- Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I willing to trust God's timing with these desires?
- What might God be trying to teach me through unmet desires?
- How can I pivot my focus from what I want to what God wants for me?
Remember: It's not about eliminating desires, but about bringing them under God's authority and trusting His perfect plan for your life.