How to Discover Your True Desires
A big part of my testimony is that while I was in college I began to grow with God and obey His voice. As I walked with God more and more, He began to peel away false dreams and desires from my heart. Going into college my dream was simply to graduate, get a good job, a nice house, a nice car, marry, and have kids. My dream was literally the American dream. But then as I began to delight myself in the Lord, He began to reveal the true desires of my heart. The former bland, commercialized desires began to fade. No longer was a nice house or a nice car that important to me. Instead, as I delighted myself in the Lord more, He showed me how much joy and fulfillment I find in things I would have never imagined enjoying before.
I never knew I love to travel until after I obeyed God by going on a short term mission trip to another country, something I was nervous to do. I never knew I love to shepherd people until I obeyed God by leading a small group, which was something I really didn’t want to do, but I knew God wanted me to grow as a leader. I never knew how much I love children until I obeyed God by moving to Korea to live in an orphanage back in 2005. Before moving to Korea I never liked being with kids and I felt much more confident with young adults, but God knew better. I never knew how much I would care for the children and love being with them!
Back when I was 19 I would have completely rejected the thought of moving to another country, serving children, living off of support, and even helping pastor a church. But now? I can honestly say that I would not trade my life for anything. Since my early college years I have chosen to walk closely with the Lord and obey His voice, even when His leading has made me feel uncomfortable at times. I have not one regret.
When I was younger I was afraid of heights and so I was terrified of roller coasters. I remember feeling a little ashamed when my sister, who is five years younger, began riding the roller coasters with such joy while I still stayed away from them because of fear. But finally, one day, I chose to give them a shot. And that day I discovered that I love roller coasters. For the rest of the day I rode no other rides, just the roller coasters.
I think for many people they view a life lived out for God like I used to view the roller coasters: too scary and dangerous. But if they will just choose to delight themselves in the Lord (walk with Him and obey Him in small things), they will gradually discover a life that is exciting, sweet, and fulfilling.
Start slow. Open your Bible and read some each day. Take some time to pray, even if you can only do it for five minutes. It might not seem like anything at first, but ask God for more of His Spirit and for more love for Him. He won’t fail you. You’ll soon find prayer not as methodical or boring, but rather as sweet, meaningful, and powerful. Also get involved in a church or fellowship and let some leaders speak into your life. Allow yourself to get uncomfortable. That uncomfortable feeling is often a false desire or fear being peeled off of you. God is bringing deep treasures to the surface: the joy of family, the joy of connection, the exhilaration of stepping out in faith, the confidence in your identity in Christ, the revelation that you really can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
There are deep desires within you that only your Creator can draw out. There are treasures hidden deep within you. Only God’s light can fully reveal them. Learn to delight yourself in Him and you will never regret it.
Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of my heart.”
Isaiah 45:3 – “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Isaiah 49:23 – Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.
