What does God say about human desires?

Human desires are a complex subject that the Bible addresses in depth. As humans created in God’s image, we have natural desires for things like food, shelter, companionship, and purpose. However, due to the Fall, our desires have become distorted by sin. Thankfully, God provides wisdom and grace to follow His will rather than being led astray by misguided desires.

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What are some dangerous desires that can lead us astray?

There are many desires that can lead us into sinful actions and habits. Here are some key desires we must be on guard against:

Sexual immorality – pornography, adultery, lust (Matthew 5:28)

Greed – loving money, possessions, wealth for their own sake (Luke 12:15)
Pride – desiring glory, prestige, power for selfish reasons (Proverbs 16:18)
Gluttony – overindulging in food, drink (Proverbs 23:21)

Envy – jealousy over what others have (Galatians 5:26)
Anger – harboring rage, bitterness, desire for revenge (Ephesians 4:31)

These desires war against our souls. If left unrestrained, they can gain mastery over our hearts and lead to all kinds of sin and destruction in our lives.

What does the Bible teach about controlling our desires?

The Bible has much to say about resisting dangerous desires and exercising self-control. Here are some key principles:

Recognize inner desire for sin – James 1:14 tells us each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire.
Submit to God – James 4:7 instructs us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil.

Fix eyes on Jesus – Hebrews 12:2 says we should fix our eyes on Jesus as the author and perfecter of our faith.
Fill mind with truth – Philippians 4:8 tells us to fill our minds with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable.
Flee from temptation – 1 Corinthians 6:18 says to flee from sexual immorality, and 2 Timothy 2:22 says to flee the evil desires of youth.

Crucify the flesh – Galatians 5:24 says those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Walk by the Spirit – Galatians 5:16 tells us to walk by the Spirit so we will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

The consistent message is that we must actively fight against ungodly desires through prayer, God’s word, fellowship, and walking in the Spirit.

What godly desires should we cultivate?

Rather than being controlled by sinful desires, God wants us to develop holy desires that reflect His character. Here are some godly desires Scripture commands us to pursue:

Desire God – God tells us “delight yourself in the Lord” (Psalm 37:4)
Desire growth – “Desire spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1)

Desire goodness – “Desire the pure milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2)
Desire heaven – “Set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2)
Desire righteousness – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6)

Desire wisdom – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God” (James 1:5)
Desire the Holy Spirit – “Earnestly desire the spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1)
Desire to serve – “Desire to help others” (1 Timothy 3:1)

Desire unity – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3)

As we meditate on God’s word and obey His commands, the Holy Spirit gradually transforms our desires to become more like Christ. Our deepest longings align with His perfect will.

How does God satisfy holy desires?

God is faithful to satisfy the godly desires He instills in us. Consider these promises:

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
“No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11)
“God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24)

However, God satisfies us according to His timing and for His glory. He may say “no” or “wait” to some requests if they are not currently in our best interest or His purposes. Yet in the end, He promises to lavish His children with “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3) and “eternal rewards” (1 Corinthians 3:8).

As Charles Spurgeon said “If you delight yourself in Him, He will give you the desires of your heart. God is a well of living water, and the desires which he creates, he will himself satisfy.” Our role is simply to align our desires with the heart of God.

What should we do when faced with unfulfilled desires?

Since God’s timing and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), how should we respond when faced with unfulfilled desires that seem good and right?

Bring the desire to God in prayer. 1 John 5:14 says if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
Choose to trust in God’s wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty over your life.

Wait patiently for the Lord to work in His perfect timing. “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:26).
Examine your motives. Are you desiring something for the wrong reasons?
Consider whether an unfulfilled desire is revealing an area that needs spiritual growth or surrender.

Seek godly counsel from spiritual leaders on difficult desires.
Ask God to replace the frustrated desire with contentment. “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).

As we go through God’s refining process, we can take comfort that “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

How should parents guide children’s desires?

Children are naturally self-centered and must be patiently trained to consider others. Wise parents will:

Model selflessness and servanthood in the home.
Cultivate a heart of gratitude for God’s blessings.

Affirm children’s godly desires while redirecting sinful ones.
Explain that many desires must be put on hold until appropriate ages.
Discipline children when desires manifest in wrong behavior.

Teach children principles of saving and sharing resources.
Warn against peer pressure to conform to worldly desires.
Remind kids that godliness and character are more valuable than material possessions.

Help them memorize Scripture to combat desires rooted in the flesh.

The book of Proverbs provides much wisdom for parents seeking to train children in God’s ways. The chapters on adultery, anger, laziness, gluttony, and managing finances are especially applicable.

Conclusion

Our desires provide a window into our spiritual condition. Temptations will inevitably arise, but we can stand firm by fixing our eyes on Christ. He alone can satisfy our deepest longings. As believers, may we learn to rest in God’s sovereignty, follow the Spirit’s guidance, renew our minds with Scripture, bring our requests to the Father, and trust that He will supply all our needs according to His perfect will.