Sometimes we're just like that little dude – crying out for what we want, when God's already got something better planned for our lives.
"Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun."
Psalm 37:1-6, NLT
Four key principles about living in God's will versus living in your want:
"Don't get caught up in the comparison game."
When we're living in our wants, we're always looking at what everybody else has. We're scrolling through social media, getting jealous of their vacations, their relationships, their success.
But notice what God says – all that stuff is temporary!
"Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Matthew 6:33
When you put God's kingdom first, everything else falls into its proper place.
It starts with understanding that God's will isn't just a destination – it's a divine perspective.
Many of us are trying to navigate God's will while wearing the world's prescription.
"set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Colossians 3:2
When you start viewing your life from God's perspective, suddenly…
This isn't just positive thinking – it's biblical thinking. It's not about ignoring reality; it's about seeing reality from God's viewpoint. He's writing your story from the end to the beginning, while you're trying to read it from the beginning to the end.
He's working ALL things together for your good.
This week, every time you feel that urge to compare yourself to others, stop and write down two blessings God has already given you.
"Trust in the Lord and do good."
Psalm 37:3, NLT
When you're living in your wants, you're trying to make things happen in your own strength. But when you're living in God's will, you're operating in His strength.
Before making any decision this week, spend at least 3 minutes in prayer and, specifically asking God for direction.
"Lord, I'm not moving until I sense Your heart in this."
"Your will, not my want."
"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires."
Psalm 37:4, NLT
When you delight in the Lord, you become moldable in His hands.
When you find your joy, your satisfaction, your pleasure in God, He begins to reshape your wants to match His will. He starts downloading His desires into your spirit.
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."
Philippians 2:13
Spend 5 minutes each morning this week just praising God, without asking for anything.
When you commit something to God, you're rolling it away from yourself and onto Him.
Selective commitment is just another form of control.
When you're living in your wants, you're holding onto control.
"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."
Proverbs 16:3
You commit first, and then God establishes.
Your wants will always be shaped by what you see around you, but God's will is shaped by what He sees ahead of you.
Your wants may get you what you think you need for today, but His will prepares you for what He knows you'll face tomorrow.
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2
Are you living in your wants, or are you living in God's will?
