AfterWords | What Does God Want?

A short read
by Lisa Goddard

A couple of years ago, I went to a workshop and selected my “word for the year.” I joined other participants in going through a series of exercises and prayers, reflecting on and examining my desires, struggles and spiritual walk. Ultimately, each of us honed in on a word that would best align our wants with God‘s will.

I landed on the word “presence,” as I felt God was directing me to take more time to be present with him. When I focus on presence with him, he opens my eyes to being more present in the simple pleasures and blessings of everyday life… nature, music, my grandchildren, a compelling novel, a savory meal. I still love that word and try to practice making it a priority daily as I know those moments are precious, and the runway of my earthly life continues to get shorter.

This year, I decided to go through the exercise on my own, and the word “trust” came to the surface. I sensed God was calling me to surrender my fears of the unknown and trust in his plan.

During our House Church gathering Sunday, we looked back at the question Jesus posed to two of John’s disciples when they saw him passing by, “What do you want?” But, in addition to discerning an answer to that question, we were asked to consider another, “What does God want?”

A beautiful melding of the responses to both these questions emerged during our group discussion. The consensus was that our heartfelt yearnings align with what God wants from us if we are truly present with and trust him. My two words (presence and trust) colliding!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Sometimes, I struggle with distinguishing whether I am pursuing a path I think God wants me to follow or really paying heed to His desires for me. In other words, my wants versus his. Am I spending time seeking him in daily prayer and reflection? Am I cognizant of the “not just coincidental” people and circumstances he places in front of me? Am I obedient to the tugs I feel in my heart to act in certain situations? As one of our House Church community members so wisely noted when talking about a daily practice she follows, “abide before you decide.”

Whittling my wants and God’s wants down even further, what emerged was one word, love. We want God’s love, and he wants ours.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37–39

I don’t just want the love of God and others, I need it!