What does God want me to do?

Is this a question you ask frequently?

How often do we ponder, “What do I want?” instead. It’s a common refrain.

Public educators, motivational speakers, counselors often start with the question “What do you want?”

It sounds so legitimate. After all, who wouldn’t want their own personal dreams, wants and desires fulfilled? And pronto, of course.

But does pursuit of personal desires bring genuine happiness in the long run?

I’m not so sure.

I’ve seen many people caught up in the rat mill of seeking only what they wanted, but never finding it. I’ve done it myself. They might spend years, even decades, pursuing the elusive wealth, or spouse, or promotion at work. And all for what? Nothing to show for the effort.

When this happens, does this mean God has forsaken us? No. It usually means there’s a different plan to pursue, a more spiritually inspired design.

When I was young, I was absolutely certain, beyond a doubt that my future was to be rich. I focused my energies on reaching that goal, but along the way, found no genuine joy. My life was missing something important. After sufficient suffering, I decided that my plan was not God’s plan, and that’s why I suffered. He had a different design for me to follow.

It took a few years of growth in humility and understanding, but eventually I dropped my goal of accumulating wealth and focused on perfecting my practice of spiritual healing. It was one of the wisest decisions I ever made. I finally found true happiness, and it was because I followed God’s plan, not mine.

Jesus Christ never started with asking, ”What do I want?” He began with “What does God want?” And he was richly rewarded for faithfully following God’s will. We will be too.

So, when the question pops up, “What do you want?” or “What do I want?” don’t get caught in the dead end trap of serving-self first. It’s not what you want that matters. It’s what God wills that brings the large rewards.

I want more money…I want my boss to change…I want a bigger car…I want recognition…I want a skinnier waist…I want a nicer husband…I want…I want…I want…it’s all the mortal self entwined within itself, and it can get very dark in those human ego-centered corridors.

Break out of the “I want” syndrome, and get into what God wants. God always wants the best, and He provides it. The sooner you get onto His plan, the better life’s events are going to unfold.

“What do I want?” can be answered with, “What does God want?” That’s the more productive path to walk.

“Not my will, but Thine be done.” Jesus Christ