"There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death.” –Proverbs 16:25
I have found in most of my conversations with people from the age of 19 and up, a common thread is that they all long to be in some sort of relationship, ranging from friendship to marriage. As I recently spoke to a young lady on the telephone, she expressed her frustration with her season of singleness. She said that she prayed and hoped to be married very soon, but it seemed that every man that crossed her path was confused as to what he wanted. Just like her, so many of us are desperate for one thing or the other; desperate to grow up, desperate to be rich, desperate to lead a ministry, desperate to reach the top of the success ladder, desperate to make an impact on the world, desperate to be in love, desperate to be married, desperate to find our place in the world, desperate to change people, and desperate to achieve everything this world has to offer.
There is nothing wrong with wanting something, but when the desire grows to desperattion, it can become dangerous. A desperate heart is like a starved stomach, “a persistent predator looking to devour anything that will give temporary respite to the ache within.” –M. Breen. Whenever we become too desperate for something, we become more vulnerable to the quick fix and can be drawn into a season of depression and loneliness. Sarah in the book of Genesis was desperate for a child. God assured her that she would bear a child, but she became so desperate and impatient that she succumbed to the quick fix that was Hagar, her maidservant. When Hagar bore her child, Sarah was drawn into a season of darkness, jealousy and depression. David became desperate for Bathesheba when he saw her bathing on her rooftop, and we all know what that lead to (see 2 Samuel 11)
We ought to grow our faith to a point where we can accept not knowing and trust that God will bring about good for us in His time. Jesus has instructed us not to worry about tomorrow for today has enough problems of its own, so why do we still worry about our future? As a child, whenever I took road trips with my family, I was always so concerned about getting where we were going that I often missed out on enjoying the scenery and the fun road trip games that my siblings played. And when we got to our destination and everyone was talking about the trip, I got depressed and wished I could go back and do things differently. Don’t let this be the story of your life. Do not miss out on enjoying the journey that is your life.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time…”–Eccl. 3:11 I want to urge you today dear friends to endeavor to see the beauty in your today. Do not become so desperate for tomorrow that you settle for anything less than the best. Do not become so desperate for a relationship that you settle for someone that is in God's will for you. Don’t be so desperate for a promotion or wealth that you become willing to use deceit to get what you want. Do you get the drift? We grieve the Holy Spirit when we become too desperate to be patient with God. Enjoy the journey. Live today! Make the most of whatever season your find yourself in, and see the beauty in everything you have and are right now, trusting in God’s perfect will and timing for your life.
Father please give us a fresh supply of patience and trust, and open our eyes to see the beauty in today. Help us to seek your good, pleasing perfect will for our lives, instead of settling for a quick fix. We repent of the sin that is distrust; we are sorry for insulting you by trying to take matters into our hands. We love you Lord! Have your way in us! In Jesus name, AMEN!
Grace and peace be with you.
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DANGER OF DESPERATION