Godly Desires

Millions of people waste their lives chasing things they think will give them satisfaction, contentment and joy, but they end up frustrated and discontent. 

It may be money, position or higher levels of education. They may desire to be in a certain social group, or to climb a mountain or be number one in some sport. Often people want to own things like bigger houses, better cars, boats, more expensive clothes and all kinds of material goods. When they obtain these things, they often feel excited for a short time, but they soon feel empty. 

We all seek to be happy, but sadly we may waste many years pursuing things that are what Jeremiah called empty wells with no water in them. These things are like a mirage to a person stranded in the desert. He is so thirsty that he imagines he sees a pond of water ahead. He runs for it and dives into what he thinks will quench his thirst, but sadly, he just finds more sand.

God wants us to have many enjoyable things, but He must be first place in our lives. God can give us joy without things, but things without God will never give us joy. If our goal is to obtain the things of the world, Satan can always dangle more “things” in front of us and we can waste more time chasing them. But will they really make us happy and give us peace? 

Apparently they won’t, because some of the wealthiest and most famous people in the world are reported to be among some of the unhappiest. In fact, I recently read an article about famous, wealthy people who spent their lives entertaining others. In their private lives, they suffered with terrible unhappiness. Some even committed suicide, believing they couldn’t face another day.

Jesus said He came that we might enjoy life and have it in abundance (see John 10:10 AMP). He wants us to have an abundance of all good things, but we must remember that things without God cannot give us happiness.

Pray: Father, Your Word says that when we delight ourselves in You, You will give us the desires of our heart (see Psalm 37:4). Today, I ask You to help me keep “things” in perspective. Please don’t allow my desires for anything on this earth to stand in the way of my relationship with You. I know that when I put You first, You will always provide everything I need to have a great life (see Matthew 6:33). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Adapted from the book Your Battles Belong to the Lord by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2019 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.