Our Desires Before God

When it comes to our desires, some of them may be okay.

Knowing what is of a carnal and sinful nature, and what is pure before God, and part of the unique ways in which He created us, takes looking into things with a pure and humble perspective.

The Bible has the truths we need!

So let’s look at what the Word of God has to say about it.

The Psalmist, David prays several verses about God’s care and faithfulness to answer the requests of His people, in Psalm 20.

Psalm 20:4 (NKJV), says, “May He grant you according to your hearts desire, and fulfill all your purpose.”

When we think of how the Lord loves us, it’s easy to see how we can delight ourselves in knowing Him and fulfilling all our purposes in Him, and putting all our trust in Him. You may have questions about whether it’s okay to requests from the Lord the things that you desire. I would like to share with you these helpful guidelines:

1) You can have what you want,

2) Unless it’s not good for you,

3) Or,  unless the Lord God already has something else in mind for you.

We must also make sure, in addition, that we check the attitude and condition of our hearts to come into submission of His Will for us, and be perfectly free of any malice, ill-will, or selfish intent. It is necessary that we: 

1) Do not complain against God, or His methods;

2) Do not be impatient with God, or His timing;

3) Do not doubt that God is good, loving, and merciful; even in trials, and even in waiting.

The test of our will, is to see if we are willing to submit it to God and His will for us.If we resist, and chose our own desires over His desires and will for us, we fall into the enemy’s trap of our own carnal nature which is at odds with God.

Another test, is if we are willing to check our desires by submitting them to the counsel of others who are over us in authority by God’s design. It’s God design that we walk in unity and not out of harmony. When there is unity, God commands His blessing (Psalm 133:1-3).When we want what others have, and we try to get our desires through manipulation, control of others, or by insisting on our way, we are operating in the flesh, and are operating in a way that is earthly, sensual, and demonic (James 3:14-16). The wisdom that is from God (James 3:17), does not operate like that, but is peaceable and pure, and rightly motivated for the good of all. James 4:1 describes why there is fighting and quarreling, it’s because of the desires that war in us.

We want things, but don’t ask God, and when we do ask, we don’t receive, because we don’t have the right motives.We must get God’s heart on things, and surrender any desires that we may have, to His authority and Sovereign will and master plan.

James 4:7 says to “Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.”

Matthew 7:11, says that God will give good gifts to His children, who ask Him.

Psalm 37:4 says that if we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts.And let’s not be immature or presumptuous with that passage, but understand fully what it means and the good that our Heavenly Father desires for us, both for shaping our character, and building us out to be those who can carry His presence and walk obediently according to His Word, so that we might carry His purposes, His truth, His life, His death and resurrection, His overflowing love, His power and His authority in our own lives, so that we might be mature sons and daughters of the King.

Let me share a few personal stories of testimony with you for your benefit.

When I was just finishing high school, I had a desire to go into a certain line of work; it was something easy I could do with my friend, and would only take a few months of preparation in a trade school. When I presented this plan to my dad, he “saw through it,” and could tell it wasn’t for me, and that I would not be able to fulfill my full life’s purpose by going in that direction. He knew what I had initially told him that my dream was, for my profession. He could see that I was hesitant to pursue my dream and just wanted to take the easy route. He had the God-given discernment in that situation, and advised me to pursue a different direction for my profession and  career. Although I was initially disappointed, I was also relieved, that I was in God’s perfect will and on His good and right path, and ultimately was right in God’s perfect design for me.  I have been very blessed with a very fruitful career path and thankful ever since! Had I not listened to the wisdom of God, through my father, I don’t know where I would be. Certainly not here! And not talking with you right here! Or bearing the fruit God had in mind for me.

You may have missed a step of obedience in your life, but it’s never too late to submit to God, confess your sin, and turn and get things right and have a second chance with God!

He’s your Heavenly Father, and He has good plans for you! Stay humble and stay close to His heart!

And remember, James 4:6 says that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

So one more personal testimony:

Similarly, later in life, I had a long-standing desire to earn a Ph.D. and wanted to get started on it. At the time, my husband didn’t have a peace about it, so I waited. When the call came later that day to see if I was going to enroll, I had to say, “no.” I had tears of disappointment at the time, and it was uncomfortable to wait, but three years later, I was able to enter the program with a full scholarship that was opened up for me. I am still grateful for that opportunity to not only start the program but to complete it for the glory of God! And to make it through every trial. And to earn the doctorate that God had for me to earn, for His purposes and for His Glory! And I’m glad God chose to speak to me that day, through the voice of my husband.

I rejoice in those testimonies and I give God the praise!