The Journey of Desire

1. Desire is the compass of our hearts, guiding us to our true destiny

"Christianity is not an invitation to become a moral person. It is not a program for getting us in line or for reforming society. It has a powerful effect upon our lives, but when transformation comes, it is always the aftereffect of something else, something at the level of our hearts. At its core, Christianity begins with an invitation to desire."

Desire reveals our deepest longings. Our hearts are set with an innate desire for life as it was meant to be – a life of intimacy, adventure, and meaning. This desire serves as a compass, pointing us towards our true destiny in God. However, many of us have learned to bury or ignore our desires, fearing disappointment or believing them to be sinful.

Jesus consistently appealed to desire. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus asking people, "What do you want?" He invites us to ask, seek, and knock – all actions that arouse and engage our desires. By reconnecting with our deepest longings, we open ourselves to the transformation God wants to bring in our lives.

Embracing desire requires courage. It means facing potential disappointment and vulnerability. Yet it is only by acknowledging and exploring our desires that we can truly engage with God and the life He offers. The journey of desire leads us to discover our true selves and our place in God's grand story.

2. We cannot arrange for the life we prize, but it is coming

"It can't be done. No matter how hard we try, no matter how clever our plan, we cannot arrange for the life we desire."

Our efforts to create paradise fall short. We often try to arrange our lives to achieve the happiness and fulfillment we crave. This might involve pursuing career success, perfect relationships, or various pleasures. However, these attempts ultimately leave us unsatisfied and often lead to addiction or despair.

God's "thwarting" is an act of love. When our plans fail or desires go unfulfilled, it can feel as though God is working against us. In reality, He is saving us from settling for less than the full life He intends for us. These disappointments serve to redirect our hearts towards our true home.

Hope lies in the coming kingdom. While we cannot create the life we truly desire in this broken world, we can live in eager anticipation of its arrival. The kingdom of God, when fully realized, will bring the restoration and fulfillment of all our deepest longings. This hope gives meaning to our current struggles and unfulfilled desires.

3. The kingdom of God brings restoration, not destruction

"Jesus came to announce the coming of 'the kingdom of God.'"

God's plan is renewal, not annihilation. Many Christians mistakenly believe that the end times will bring total destruction of the current world. However, the Bible speaks of a renewed earth and restored creation. This is not about escaping to a disembodied, spiritual realm, but the healing and perfecting of the physical world we know.

The miracles of Jesus foreshadow full restoration. When Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and calmed storms, He was giving glimpses of the coming kingdom. In that kingdom, all forms of brokenness – physical, emotional, and relational – will be fully healed.

Our deepest desires point to this coming reality. The longings we feel for beauty, adventure, love, and meaning are not merely wishful thinking. They are echoes of the life we were created for and will one day experience in full. The kingdom of God will be the ultimate fulfillment of every good desire.

4. Our future involves creative rulership in a renewed cosmos

"Christ is not joking when he says that we shall inherit the kingdom prepared for us and shall reign with him forever. We will take the position for which we have been uniquely made and will rule as he does—meaning with creativity and power."

We are created in God's image as co-creators. Just as God delights in His creative work, we are designed to find joy and purpose in creating, building, and cultivating. This aspect of our nature will find its fullest expression in the coming kingdom.

Our current lives are preparation for future roles. The skills, passions, and experiences we develop now are not meaningless. They are shaping us for the specific ways we will participate in ruling and cultivating the renewed creation.

Eternity will be filled with meaningful activity. Far from an endless church service, our eternal life will involve:

• Exploring and developing the vast cosmos
• Creating works of art, music, and culture
• Stewarding and nurturing creation
• Engaging in fulfilling relationships and community

5. Worship heals and aligns our desires with God

"Worship is the act of the abandoned heart adoring its God. It is the union that we crave."

True worship goes beyond ritual. It is not merely singing songs or attending services, but a heart-level engagement with God. This kind of worship satisfies our deepest longings for intimacy and connection.

Worship reorients our desires. When we focus our hearts on God in adoration, our other desires find their proper place. Things that once seemed all-consuming lose their power over us as we experience the surpassing worth of knowing God.

Regular worship is essential for heart-health. Just as our bodies need consistent nourishment, our souls require frequent times of connecting with God through worship. This practice helps us:

• Maintain perspective on life's challenges
• Experience joy and peace
• Grow in our capacity to love others
• Resist the pull of lesser things

6. Letting go of control allows us to receive God's gifts

"Content thee, greedie heart. Modest and moderate joys to those, that have Title to more hereafter when they part, Are passing brave . . ."

Grasping leads to frustration. When we desperately try to arrange our lives and control outcomes, we often end up more anxious and unfulfilled. This grasping attitude can turn even good things into idols that enslave us.

Surrender is not passivity. Biblical surrender involves bringing our desires to God and trusting Him with the outcomes. It's an active choice to release our grip on control while remaining fully engaged with life.

Detachment creates space for joy. As we learn to hold our desires lightly, we become more capable of receiving and appreciating God's gifts. This detachment allows us to:

• Enjoy present blessings without demanding permanence
• Find contentment in simple pleasures
• Experience freedom from anxiety about the future
• Cultivate gratitude and wonder

7. Remembering God's truths daily renews our hearts

"I wake most mornings an unbeliever. It seems that during the night, I slip into forgetfulness, and by the time the new day comes, I am lost."

We are prone to spiritual amnesia. Even after powerful encounters with God or moments of clarity, we easily slip back into doubt, fear, and forgetfulness. This is a common human struggle, not a sign of weak faith.

Intentional remembering is crucial. We must actively remind ourselves of God's truths, promises, and past faithfulness. This can involve:

• Daily scripture reading and meditation
• Journaling about God's work in our lives
• Sharing testimonies with others
• Creating physical reminders in our environment

Community reinforces memory. We need others to remind us of truth when we forget. Being part of a faith community provides:

• Regular teaching and encouragement
• Opportunities to recount God's faithfulness
• Support during times of doubt or struggle
• Shared practices that reinforce core beliefs

Last updated: October 31, 2024