Wednesday, January 31, 2024

What happens when what you want now goes against what you want most?

Our choices impact our lives. This has been the case since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. And unfortunately, like them, we are also wired to focus on satisfying our immediate desires rather than exercising patience.

Galatians 6:7 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

If we live to satisfy our immediate desires, we’ll likely impede our long term goals. As an outsider, it’s easy to see a parent who is so focused on their career they miss opportunities to bond with their young children. And unfortunately, those missed opportunities may lead to relationship struggles between them later on.

Our relationship with God is similar. The idea of surrendering our lives to God and pursuing him further isn’t something to put off until a more convenient time. We miss growing our relationship with God and gaining his wisdom and guidance when we take that path.

Our Father provides great advice in the Bible for parents.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

My parents took me to church when I was young, and I did the same with my own kids. God and family were important, but I stumbled along the way. My focus wasn’t on what would be important in 10 or 20 years. My greatest enemy was the life I wanted in the moment instead of the life I wanted in the future. I didn’t realize what I was opening myself up to.

Looking back, I realize the “it” I was chasing didn’t provide me with the life I’d desired. If I could go back, I know I’d give God more say in my Sabbath, significant others, kids, budget, and firstfruits. And yet, I am also grateful because God’s lavish love is evident. Despite my occasional lack of focus on what mattered most, he faithfully provided me with everything I needed

Of course I’m still wired to want more, but surrendering those wants to God helps satisfy me and opens my eyes to the blessings I do have. God is good—all the time. Learn to trust him and focus on what you want most more than what you want now.

Questions:
Have you thought about what you want most? Are you planning for the long term, short term, or both? Where are you most invested?

Next Steps:
Listen to this old classic Harry Chapin song. Pray and ask God to help you prioritize what he wants in your life, then surrender your plans to him.

Prayer:
Father, you have always been so good to me. I want what you want for my life. Show me how to prioritize and live so that I might please you. Help me to surrender my current desires to achieve what my heart desires most. Show me how to sow that I may reap a harvest rich and pleasing for the dedication of your kingdom. Now and always, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

2 Peter 1:3
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

This post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut devotional.