The Desire to Do God’s Will

“Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.” 

Psalm 119:36 

As followers of Christ, there is no end of things we should do or ought to do, or even must do. There are commands we should cherish, goals we should embrace, attitudes we ought to cultivate. But the sad truth is this: In our basic human nature, in our flesh, we may not have any real desire to do these things at all.  

Oh, we might succeed in adhering to a list of “shoulds” and “musts” and “thou shalts” for a while, but if it’s done in our own strength for the sake of duty, it will never last—and it really won’t please God. The Apostle Paul clearly teaches, “The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God” (Romans 8:7). The good news is that the Holy Spirit within us will freely give us the desire to do God’s will. He will supply the want to, which is far, far more compelling than the have to.  

Praise You, God, for giving me the desire to please You, the desire to put others first, the desire to read Your Word, the desire to respond in kindness to others. Lord, I couldn’t even follow You unless You gave me the want to. And You have! More and more, I find myself wanting what You want—and nothing makes me happier.