One of life’s great discoveries is discerning what we want out of it.  Seems a little strange as we begin grasping for things early and professing displeasure whenever our desires are unmet.  Then again, our wants frequently change. Some of these changes are due to aging and experience. Sometimes, we simply change not knowing why.  At every bend in the road, though, we find unrequited loves, hopes and dreams. And we feel emptiness and singularity.

When we achieve our desires, we may yet feel hollow.  We thought we knew what we wanted, but we were wrong. Talk about confusing.  Why do we feel unsatisfied when we receive our requests? A reason may be that wants can be temporary, contrasting needs which are basic and enduring.  When that which is changeable is sated, the enduring is still unresolved. It is wonderful if the two coincide, but it may be rare.

A strength of Christianity is that it meets basic needs.  Every want may not be resolved at any one time, but there is satisfaction on the whole.  So, while we don’t always have what we want, we have what we need. In time, we begin to want what we need.  Some of this comes as a result of maturity, but a great part of satisfaction is in the well-being and contentment we receive from God.

Several years ago, my wife and I visited a woman in our church who was near death.  She had battled cancer for some time and would be gone the next day. On the night preceding her death, she spoke about her children’s futures, and how she longed for them to rely on God and commit their ways to Him.  She said, “God will give us what we want, if we’ll be satisfied with what He gives us.” True. We’re always confusing what we seem to want with what we really want. In your life, I hope through the grace of God you get what you need.

Sterl