Desire

What does it mean to be holy? To be set apart? Sanctified? And who makes us holy, sets us apart, and sanctifies us in the first place? Let’s check out today’s passage.

What is God calling you to do? A closer walk with him? A new focus on your marriage? More spiritually intentional parenting? A new career? A new area of service? Are you following God’s call? Do you fear that saying “yes” to God will make you say “no” to something or someone else? Are you afraid to surrender? Why?

Some people approach prayer with a list of demands. “God, I want you to do this. And when you get that done, here’s another thing. And sorry for the reminder, but you forgot to do the thing I asked for two days ago. I needed it ... yesterday. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Some even teach that praying with real faith is telling God what you want, when you want it, and that you will not take “no” for an answer. So…is praying, “Your will be done,” a cop-out? Let’s learn from Jesus.

Israel was in chaos. They lived under the tyranny of Rome. The Jewish people were taxed into poverty. They desperately needed peace. Some thought that peace would come through a military general. Others wanted a political leader to overthrow the Roman government from the inside.

When I read Solomon’s statement, “And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure…” it makes me pause. That is one audacious statement! Solomon described an unrestrained pursuit of pleasure. Whatever he wanted to have, he took. Whatever he wanted to do, he did. Yes, I realize Solomon may be using hyperbole. But still, this statement puts him as a leading candidate for the Hedonism trophy. 

In this passage, Solomon proclaims what the rest of Scripture confirms: God is in complete control of all things. He is omnipotent; all-powerful. This means that whatever God desires to do, he will get it done. If he desires something straight, it will be straight and remain straight. If he wants something crooked, it will be crooked and remain crooked. Of course, God’s desires, decisions, and actions will always be perfect. 

God owns it all, and everything we have is a gift from him. Satisfaction comes when we are content with what God gives and steward his gifts in a way that honors him. 

So, here’s the question—are you chasing after the right things? Things that will last for eternity. Things that will honor God. Things that will point people to him. If you are not running in the right direction, chances are you’ll end up at the wrong destination. 

Telling the truth comes from the heart through the lips of a person who desires to honor God. Truth-telling is something we can show and tell our children every day. Remind your kids that God loves honesty—it’s like a kiss on the lips.