I Shall Not Want – But Sometimes I Do

“I shall not want.”

What happens when you know those words in your head, but the reality you experience in your heart feels completely different?

The desire for a partner and family are so natural, and, based on the Bible, seem God-given. We can be transparent enough to say it is discouraging and painful to strongly desire something so good and not see that desire fulfilled.

God made our hearts with capacity for desire, and it is part of the human experience. Having unmet desires does not mean you are doing anything wrong - it means you are human.

In times of waiting, it doesn’t take long before the questions come. Questions like:

• Does God care?
• Is God even listening to my prayers, and do they matter?
• Is God holding out on me, or punishing me for something?
• Why is God blessing others around me with this, but not me?

Can you relate to any of those?

As I consider the questions above, it strikes me that the question underneath those questions is about God’s character. What we are really asking is,

“Can I trust that God is good?”

While that is a normal question to ask, what you do with that question makes all the difference. David said in Psalm 27:13,

“I would have lost heart had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord here in the land of the living.”

He goes on to say in verse 14,

“Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart.”

The Bible doesn’t promise we’ll get everything we want, but it does teach us to be confident in God no matter the circumstances. He is good, and if we don’t see His goodness yet, we will. If you are discouraged, don’t lose heart! Wait on the Lord, and He will strengthen your heart.

It’s also good for us to consider if we are doing our part. If you find yourself desiring something, it’s worth considering if there are any steps you need to take toward that desire. Ask God to guide you and give you wisdom as to your role in the process.