Desire is a powerful human emotion, and the Bible addresses it extensively. Whether it’s wanting material things, relationships, or spiritual growth, Scripture provides guidance on how to manage desires in a way that aligns with God’s will. Let’s explore what the Bible says about wanting.
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What Does The Bible Say About Wanting
1 John 5:14
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
This verse reminds us that when we have a desire or want, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that he listens to our prayers and will answer according to his will. It encourages us to bring our wants and desires to God in prayer, trusting in his wisdom and understanding.
As Christians, it is important to align our wants with God’s will and seek his guidance and direction in everything we desire. When we approach God with a humble and sincere heart, he is faithful to hear us and respond according to his perfect plan for our lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse encourages us to trust in the Lord completely and not rely on our own understanding. It teaches us that when we submit our desires to God and seek his will in all areas of our lives, he will guide us on the right path.
When we surrender our wants and desires to God’s authority, we acknowledge that his plans are far wiser and better than our own. By trusting in him and submitting to his leading, we can have confidence that he will direct our paths and fulfill the desires of our hearts in accordance with his perfect plan.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse reminds us that when we delight ourselves in the Lord, he will fulfill the desires of our hearts. It encourages us to find joy and satisfaction in God alone and trust that he knows what is best for us.
When our desires align with the character and will of God, he delights in granting them to us. This verse does not imply that God will fulfill every selfish or worldly desire, but rather it emphasizes the importance of seeking our ultimate satisfaction and contentment in him. When we prioritize our relationship with God, he blesses us with true joy and fulfills the desires that align with his purposes.
Psalm 145:19
“He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”
This verse assures us that God will fulfill the desires of those who fear and revere him. It highlights the importance of cultivating a deep reverence and respect for God in our hearts and lives.
When we genuinely honor God and seek to live in accordance with his commandments, he not only hears our prayers but also fulfills the desires of our hearts. This verse reminds us that God is faithful to those who fear him, rescuing them and granting the desires that align with his will and purpose for their lives.
Psalm 34:10
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.”
This verse assures us that when we seek the Lord, we will lack no good thing. It reminds us that God is our provider and sustainer, ensuring that our needs are met.
When we prioritize our relationship with God and seek him above all else, we can trust in his faithfulness to supply our wants and needs. This verse encourages us to have confidence in God’s provision and to rest in the assurance that he will take care of us, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
This verse reminds us to be patient and wait for the Lord’s timing in fulfilling our desires. It encourages us not to become envious or anxious when we see others prospering in their own ways.
As we trust in God’s sovereignty, we can rest assured that he knows what is best for us and will fulfill our desires at the right time. This verse teaches us the importance of cultivating a spirit of contentment and surrender, trusting in God’s faithfulness and wisdom in all things.
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
These verses by Jesus encourage us to ask, seek, and knock in prayer, with the assurance that we will receive, find, and have doors opened to us. They highlight the importance of persistence and faith in approaching God with our wants and desires.
When we earnestly seek God and persistently bring our desires before him, he is faithful to respond. While the timing and specific outcomes may not always align with our expectations, we can trust that God hears and answers our prayers according to his perfect wisdom and loving purposes.
James 4:2-3
“You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
This passage serves as a cautionary reminder to examine our motives when it comes to our desires. It reveals that sometimes we do not receive what we want because we fail to ask God or have wrong motives behind our requests.
God desires for us to bring our desires and requests to him in prayer, but he also desires that our motives be aligned with his will. When we ask with selfish motives or seek to fulfill our own pleasures, we are unlikely to receive what we want. Thus, it is important to approach God with a sincere heart, seeking his will above our own, and trusting that he will provide according to what is best for us.
Psalm 20:4
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
This verse is a prayer for God to grant the desires of our hearts and make our plans successful. It acknowledges God’s role in fulfilling our desires and achieving our goals.
When we surrender our hearts and plans to God’s guidance and seek his will, this verse reflects the confidence we can have in his provision and support. It reminds us of the importance of inviting God into our plans and trusting that he will lead us to success according to his wisdom and purposes.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
These words from the apostle Paul emphasize the importance of having a renewed mind and aligning our desires with God’s will. They highlight the need to resist conforming to the selfish desires and worldly patterns of thinking.
As we surrender ourselves to God and allow him to transform us from within, our desires and priorities are reshaped to align with his good, pleasing, and perfect will. This verse calls us to fix our minds on the things of God, enabling us to discern and pursue his desires for our lives.
Psalm 21:2
“You have granted him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.”
This verse celebrates God’s faithfulness in granting the desires of those who trust in him. It serves as a reminder of God’s willingness to fulfill the legitimate desires of his people.
When we delight ourselves in the Lord and seek him wholeheartedly, he honors our requests and grants the desires that align with his will. This verse encourages us to approach God with confidence, knowing that he delights in fulfilling the longings of our hearts, according to his perfect timing and purposes.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness above our own wants and desires. It assures us that when we seek God’s kingdom first, he will provide for all our needs.
Instead of obsessing over our own desires and worldly pursuits, this verse calls us to focus on advancing God’s kingdom and living in obedience to his righteousness. By putting God first in our lives, we can trust in his faithful provision and know that he will take care of the desires that align with his will.
Psalm 145:16
“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
This verse acknowledges God as the provider who satisfies the desires of every living thing. It points to God’s abundant generosity and provision for all his creation.
As we recognize God’s goodness and provision, we can approach him in confidence, trusting that he will supply our wants and needs. While God’s provision may look different for each individual, this verse reminds us of his willingness to satisfy our desires and meet our needs, according to his perfect wisdom and timing.
Psalm 81:10
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”
These words from God remind his people that he is the one who brought them out of slavery and who will provide for their needs. They emphasize God’s faithfulness in meeting his people’s desires and providing for them abundantly.
When we open wide our mouths before God, expressing our desires and needs, he promises to fill them. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision and to be bold in bringing our wants and desires before him, knowing that he is the source of every good and perfect gift.
Psalm 84:11
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
This verse affirms that God is a provider and protector, and he does not withhold any good thing from those whose walk is blameless. It emphasizes the importance of walking in righteousness and integrity before God.
When we strive to live according to God’s commandments and seek to honor him in all areas of our lives, we can trust that he will fulfill our desires and grant us his favor and blessings. This verse reminds us that God rewards those who walk uprightly and seek to please him.
Deuteronomy 4:29
“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
This verse encourages us to seek the Lord with our whole heart and soul. It assures us that when we earnestly seek God, we will find him.
When we have desires and wants, the first step is to seek God and invite him into our hearts and lives. This verse highlights the importance of wholehearted devotion and genuine seeking. As we diligently pursue a relationship with God, he reveals himself to us and guides us on the path to fulfilling our desires according to his will.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse encourages us to entrust our plans and desires to the Lord. It assures us that when we commit everything to God, he will ensure the success and fulfillment of our plans.
When we surrender our desires and plans to God’s guidance and authority, he establishes our path and aligns our endeavors with his will. This verse highlights the importance of seeking God’s direction and trusting in his provision for every aspect of our lives.
Isaiah 55:11
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
This verse reveals that God’s word is powerful and effective in accomplishing his desires and purposes. It emphasizes the reliability and effectiveness of God’s promises.
As we align ourselves with God’s word and lean on his promises, we can have confidence that he will fulfill our desires and bring to fruition the purpose for which he has sent his word. This verse encourages us to trust in the power and faithfulness of God’s word as we seek to align our desires with his will.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.”
This verse instructs us to commit our ways and desires to the Lord, trusting in him to bring them to pass. It emphasizes the importance of surrendering our plans and desires to God’s guidance and wisdom.
When we fully trust in God and surrender our desires to his will, he is faithful to fulfill them according to his perfect timing and purpose. This verse encourages us to rely on God’s faithfulness and to entrust every aspect of our lives to his loving care.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
These words from God to Joshua serve as a reminder of God’s presence and faithfulness in fulfilling our desires and plans. They encourage us to be strong, courageous, and unafraid as we pursue our wants in alignment with God’s will.
When we have a desire or goal in mind, this verse assures us that God is with us every step of the way. It instills confidence in knowing that we can trust in God’s guidance and provision as we seek to fulfill our desires according to his purpose.
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
This verse reminds us that true gain and fulfillment come through godliness and contentment. It emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in our relationship with God rather than constantly pursuing worldly desires.
While it is natural to have wants and aspirations, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of contentment, finding our ultimate satisfaction in our connection with God. When we prioritize godliness and align our desires with his will, we experience a greater sense of fulfillment and gain that far surpasses any temporal desires.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
These verses encourage us to be free from anxiety and to present our desires and requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. They promise that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
When faced with desires and wants, we are called to approach God in prayer, confidently sharing our hearts and requests with him. This verse assures us that as we cast our anxieties on the Lord, he provides a peace that goes beyond human comprehension, protecting our hearts and minds from worry and doubt.
Psalm 37:3-4
“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
These verses provide a clear instruction on how to receive the desires of our hearts. We are called to trust in the Lord, do good, and find delight in him. In return, God promises to grant us the desires of our hearts.
When we trust in God’s goodness and faithfully serve him, our desires become aligned with his will and purposes. This verse encourages us to find joy and satisfaction in our relationship with God, knowing that he will reward us with the fulfillment of our desires in accordance with his perfect plan.