Topic: God-Given Desires [Thursday August 2, 2018]
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? — Romans 8:31
One of the ways God speaks to us is through the sanctified desires of our hearts. God places right desires in our hearts, and then He gives us those desires.
I remember a time when I had a desire for homemade zucchini bread but had no talent or time to make it. I simply said, “Lord, I sure would like some fresh zucchini bread,” and did not think about it again. About a week later a lady who knew nothing of my desire handed me a box, and when I opened it, I found homemade zucchini bread. God delights in doing small and large things for us, and we should never fail to appreciate all of them.
We need to ask God to give us sanctified, or holy, desires. We usually have desire for natural things such as success, finances, nice homes, and good relationships, but we should also desire spiritual things. We should desire to know God in a deeper and more intimate way, to always display the fruit of the Spirit, especially love, to serve God in ways that glorify Him, to always be obedient to God, et cetera. Let us ask God to take away fleshly desire and give us sanctified desire.
God puts in us desires that will bring His righteousness, peace, and joy to our lives (see Romans 14:17), and they never disagree with His Word.
Wrong desires torment us, and we are impatient about receiving them, but sanctified desire comes with a willingness to wait on God’s ways and timing.
Prayer Starter: Father, I ask for You to sanctify my desires. Give me a hunger to know You more. Help me to want what You want for me, knowing it will bring true joy and fulfillment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
