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Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and of your heart. ~Psalm 37:4
James Allen once said, “You will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration.”
What does that mean to you? I have a better question: what is your aspiration?
The definition of aspiration is the desire or ambition to achieve something. Now, I know that is a very simple definition; however, aspirations produce the thought-provoking life people seek by helping them concentrate on motivating and exhilarating life goals. Aspirations can be the driving force in someone’s life and allow him or her to feel like they are on top of the world.
If we are honest with ourselves, motivation to achieve or to become successful is very vital to our human needs. Without it, to a certain degree, we never become our maximum selves. However, did you know that it is through our desires and attainment of our desires that we develop and grow – not through the result of our desires?
Let me explain:
There's nothing quite like stepping into something new.
Nevertheless, have you ever noticed that when we get that new thing, we constantly want something that is newer? We always have greater and greater desires.
As Christians, we have the custom of praying and wanting the next best thing. As soon as we achieve or attain a specific object, we eventually want to get a newer model, an upgrade. For example, you may work extremely hard to buy yourself the new iPhone, a new car, a new house, but at some point, you quickly feel like it is not enough and you want a newer iPhone, newer car, a bigger house.
Even though, there is nothing wrong with what you currently have, your desire for that particular phone, car, or house is gone. A level of emptiness emerges, and at that moment, you start looking for ways to replace what you have with something newer.
(Side Note: I find it interesting that many individuals have this same approach with their relationships and their marriages.)
But, that’s a huge mistake!
Our focus should not be on replacing the items; we should focus on replacing the desire by cultivating an even more challenging desire. We need to start praying and looking for the next challenge, because it is in the challenge that you will find satisfaction for your desire. Do you see the difference? In other words, the object will never satisfy you, the challenge to attain the object will. Keep this in mind:
Do not look at what you already achieved, but look at what you aspire to achieve.
God will use challenges to help you reach your desires, to help you manifest your destiny, which will develop your character. Nevertheless, I have to make sure I say this: it is all for God’s glory. Therefore, as you pursue your aspirations for life, remember God created us for his glory and your aspirations should be for His glory as well.
I want you to understand that there is nothing wrong with pursuing the desires of your heart. Besides, God wants to give you the desires of your heart, if you delight yourself in Him. It is important for you to have a balanced approach to pursuing those desires, which includes setting goals by prayer, wisdom, and humility. Use preparation and dedication to drive yourself towards God-given aspirations and make sure to praise His name during the process.
Cream and Sugar...
Proverbs 10:24
Say this Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today, I pray that the dreams and ambitions You placed within my heart are fulfilled according to Your will and purpose for my life. My deepest satisfaction comes from glorifying Your great name through my desires. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
