The desires of our heart…a tough area that can mean the difference between doing something dangerously selfish or incredulously selfless.
I wrote this church blog about ‘heart’s desire’ in July 2017, prompted by my struggle at the time with the concept of God’s blessing.
So many people I knew had experienced God’s blessing.
What this meant to me back in 2017 was setting a request before God, praying for it, and subsequently receiving it.
This is entirely Biblical and as long as the individual prays for something within God’s will, they will receive it.
Even till now 2.4.2020, I haven’t experienced God’s blessing in a way that would match my desires or ambitions; however, a huge change from when I wrote this blog in 2017 is founded in my disposition toward ambitions and desires.
I see now that such aspects like aspirations and wants must be surrendered to God in a way that allows the individual to recognise that they’re not ruled by them.
For me, it’s been five years and three months of walking with God; I still haven’t received any of my heart’s desires, but I truly don’t mind because I have something better; a clearer understanding of why God does what He does, which is worth more than gold.
Regardless, I think the curiosity and subject matter of this blog will always ring true for the life of a Christian.
When Will My Heart’s Desire Arrive?
July 2017 – a series of thoughts...
After wise Godly counsel regarding the difference between ‘spiritual blessings’ and our heart’s desires, I have found that this blog has almost doubled in size for what was initially intended.
I find that I’m still going through trials and looking forward to a point where ‘I delight in the Lord, and he gives me the desires of my heart.’
For the last few entries, I’ve talked about trials in various ways.
Although there are plenty of testimonies I could offer about God’s grace, what I’m really waiting on—or wrestling for as Jacob did—is a spiritual blessing (a thing conducive to my happiness or welfare).
This may sound ungrateful or selfish, but I’ve come to learn that in our relationship with God, we all should expect that our Lord will bless us; it’s part of His loving nature [Jeremiah 29:11].
I could write about several challenges that have occurred during 2017, where God has allowed me to overcome; however, these moments haven’t been the fulfilment of my desires that we know God can do.
They’ve been fiery trials [1 Peter 4: 12 – 13] and I’ve been called to keep faith, and by His grace He’s seen me through.
Perhaps I’m being naïve, but there is a particular type of situation when we pray for something and our desire is met exactly as prayed for; the kind of gift that is better than our human fathers could ever give [Matthew 7:11], which compels us to get down on our knees, praising and worshipping God in all His glory.
It’s the sort of gift where we’re certain God has moved in our lives and instils us with loving obedience to cast off all fear [1 John 4:18], and give thanks in live testimony in front of our church congregation.
Francis Chan, one of our renowned brothers in Christ from the other side of the globe says, “there is nothing better in this world than an answered prayer.”
How many of us can say we have received something exactly as we prayed for?
What I’ve learned is such a thing only happens when we’re praying in alignment with His will.
Along this journey, the Lord has continued to transform my mind [Romans 12:2] with sincere changes that have impacted my soul, leading to an increasingly selfless attitude.
Don’t get me wrong; I still see how selfish I am, because when God takes us to the depths of our souls, there are some very unpleasant revelations to accept about how innately self-oriented we really are; however, in surrender, He changes all of it with a power beyond our comprehension.
Overall, what I’m looking forward to revealing to anyone who will listen, is to say my God brought me to my heart’s desire; to write without doubt, fear, or anxiety that God has truly shown favour in my life.
As I’ve said earlier, I could certainly testify to God’s greatness this year; I’m able to write a list of the amazing things He’s tasked me with that have shown how much I’ve been changed by Him, but the Lord knows my heart. I would only be fooling myself and others if I were to embellish praise for persevering with 2017’s trials, professing that they were the kind of spiritual blessings I seek.
They’re not. And that’s just being profoundly honest.
Nonetheless, I’m extremely appreciative because He’s allowed me to see clearly how He’s transforming me.
I repeat, “the Lord knows my heart” and I’m aware He’s the God who makes the impossible happen.
I maintain faith I will soon learn and know what it’s like to be truly blessed, undoubting, unwavering, joyful, peaceful, and thankful, continuing this path so that I finish well…(to be continued)
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