Desiring Only What God Wants for My Life

The author of Psalm 106 writes a song of national repentance as the people return from the Babylonian captivity. It is a summary of man's sinfulness from the beginning of the Exodus. In the wilderness, the children of Israel were so intent on getting the food and water they wanted that they became blind to what God wanted for them. They were more concerned about immediate physical gratification than long-lasting spiritual satisfaction. They did not want what was best for them, and they refused to trust in God's care and provision.

We will focus on the following three verses as they apply to our Bible study today:

Verse 13-15, "They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul."

We have all heard the warning, "Be careful what you pray for because you just might get it!" This caution may become more meaningful in the light of the above Scripture. We must ask ourselves if we have been "twisting God's arm" regarding any of the petitions we are bringing to Him. If we complain long enough, He may give us what we want, even if it is not good for us.

However, something interesting happens when we take our eyes off of our own desires. We are actually able to see the physical and spiritual needs of those that the Lord has positioned around us. This new eye-view causes us to see and to place others' needs before our own. Isaiah 58:11 tells us that when we do this, great blessing (not leanness) will come our way.

"The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."

Praise the Lord for His Truth. He guides us and gives us balance in His Word to keep us centered on Him. He alone knows what is good for us, yet when we humble ourselves with the pure motive of desiring His will for our lives, He reveals Himself to us in a marvelous way. He alone truly satisfies.

Love, Karen