Desires Towards God: A Journey of Grace

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, it is crucial to recognize the power and significance of our desires towards God. These desires, though sometimes accompanied by groans and struggles, are not hidden from Him. They are a testament to the work of grace within us, a sign that God is actively shaping our hearts to long for Him and His righteousness. Our desires should be made known to God, not because He is unaware, but because expressing them deepens our relationship with Him and aligns our hearts with His will.

Desires towards God are not mere wishes; they are earnest yearnings that reflect a heart seeking spiritual growth and transformation. They are accompanied by humility, faith, and love, and are a testament to the presence of grace in our lives. These desires are a test of our character, revealing the true direction of our hearts. Just as a bad man's desires reveal his nature, so do our holy desires reveal the work of God within us.

Moreover, these desires are carefully observed by God. He sees beyond our weaknesses and failures, recognizing the genuine longing for Him that resides in our hearts. This divine attention assures us that our desires are not in vain. God, in His infinite mercy and love, delights in fulfilling the desires He has placed within us. He is not a God who teases or withholds, but one who satisfies the deepest longings of His children.

Finally, the fulfillment of our desires glorifies God. When He grants us the desires of our hearts, it leads to praise and thanksgiving, not only from us but from those around us who witness His goodness. Our desires, when aligned with His will, become a powerful testimony of His faithfulness and love.

Key Takeaways:

- Desires as a Reflection of Grace: Our desires towards God are a reflection of His grace at work within us. They are not mere wishes but earnest yearnings that indicate a heart being transformed by His Spirit. These desires, accompanied by humility and faith, are a testament to the presence of grace in our lives. [19:33]

- The Importance of Expressing Desires: Expressing our desires to God is crucial, not because He is unaware, but because it deepens our relationship with Him. By laying bare our hearts before Him, we align ourselves with His will and open ourselves to His transformative power. [10:14]

- Desires as a Test of Character: Our desires reveal the true direction of our hearts. Just as a bad man's desires reveal his nature, so do our holy desires reveal the work of God within us. They are a superior test of character, surpassing outward religious duties. [28:05]

- God's Attention to Our Desires: God carefully observes our desires, recognizing the genuine longing for Him that resides in our hearts. This divine attention assures us that our desires are not in vain and that He delights in fulfilling them. [39:07]

- Fulfillment of Desires Glorifies God: When God grants us the desires of our hearts, it leads to praise and thanksgiving, not only from us but from those around us. Our fulfilled desires become a powerful testimony of His faithfulness and love. [48:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Desires
- [00:43] - Spiritual Vigor and Growth
- [01:59] - Assurance and Understanding
- [03:19] - Comforting the Weak
- [04:32] - Caring for the Feeble
- [06:05] - Simplicity and Mystery in Faith
- [08:08] - Desires Made Known to God
- [10:14] - Transparency Before God
- [12:41] - Prayer as Expressed Desire
- [14:29] - The Nature of Holy Desires
- [19:33] - Desires as Works of Grace
- [26:23] - Desires as a Test of Character
- [37:33] - God's Observation of Our Desires
- [46:06] - Fulfillment of Desires and God's Glory

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 38:9: "Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 38:9 reveal about God's awareness of our desires and struggles? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on expressing our desires to God? [08:08]
2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the nature of desires towards God? What characteristics accompany these desires? [19:33]
3. According to the sermon, how does God respond to the desires He observes in us? [39:07]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the pastor explain the relationship between our desires and God's grace? What does this suggest about the source of our holy desires? [19:33]
2. The sermon mentions that desires are a test of character. How does this concept challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual growth? [28:05]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that the fulfillment of our desires glorifies God? How does this perspective influence the way we view our desires? [48:38]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep desire for spiritual growth. How did you express this desire to God, and what was the outcome? [10:14]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of expressing our desires to God. What practical steps can you take to be more transparent with God about your spiritual yearnings? [12:41]
3. Consider the desires you currently have. How do they align with God's will, and what changes might you need to make to ensure they reflect His grace in your life? [19:33]
4. How can you cultivate a heart that earnestly yearns for God, even amidst struggles and weaknesses? What role does humility play in this process? [19:33]
5. The pastor mentions that God delights in fulfilling the desires He has placed within us. How can this assurance impact your prayer life and relationship with God? [39:07]
6. Think of a desire you have that you believe glorifies God. How can you actively pursue this desire in a way that leads to praise and thanksgiving? [48:38]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to express their spiritual desires to God, and what impact might this have on their faith journey? [10:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Desires as a Reflection of Grace
Our desires towards God are not mere wishes but are profound yearnings that reflect the transformative work of His grace within us. These desires are a testament to a heart being shaped by the Spirit, marked by humility, faith, and love. They reveal the presence of grace in our lives, indicating a deep longing for spiritual growth and transformation. As we nurture these desires, we become more aligned with God's will, allowing His grace to mold us into His likeness. Our holy desires are a powerful indicator of the divine work within us, contrasting sharply with the desires of those who do not seek God. [19:33]

"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific desire you have towards God that you can nurture today, allowing His grace to transform you further?


Day 2: The Importance of Expressing Desires
Expressing our desires to God is a vital practice, not because He is unaware of them, but because it strengthens our relationship with Him. By openly sharing our hearts, we align ourselves with His will and invite His transformative power into our lives. This act of transparency before God is an expression of trust and faith, acknowledging His sovereignty and our dependence on Him. As we lay bare our desires, we create space for God to work within us, deepening our connection with Him and allowing His Spirit to guide us towards His purposes. [10:14]

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us." (Psalm 62:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one desire you have been hesitant to express to God, and how can you take a step today to share it with Him in prayer?


Day 3: Desires as a Test of Character
Our desires serve as a profound test of our character, revealing the true direction of our hearts. Just as the desires of a person who does not seek God reveal their nature, our holy desires reflect the work of God within us. These desires surpass outward religious duties, offering a deeper insight into our spiritual state. They challenge us to examine the authenticity of our faith and the sincerity of our pursuit of God. By evaluating our desires, we gain a clearer understanding of our spiritual journey and the areas where we need to grow. [28:05]

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

Reflection: What do your current desires reveal about the direction of your heart, and how can you align them more closely with God's will today?


Day 4: God's Attention to Our Desires
God carefully observes our desires, recognizing the genuine longing for Him that resides in our hearts. This divine attention assures us that our desires are not in vain and that He delights in fulfilling them. God sees beyond our weaknesses and failures, acknowledging the earnest yearnings that reflect our pursuit of Him. His infinite mercy and love ensure that He is not a God who withholds but one who satisfies the deepest longings of His children. This understanding encourages us to trust in His faithfulness and to continue seeking Him with all our hearts. [39:07]

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar." (Psalm 139:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing that God attentively observes your desires change the way you approach Him in prayer today?


Day 5: Fulfillment of Desires Glorifies God
When God grants us the desires of our hearts, it leads to praise and thanksgiving, not only from us but from those around us who witness His goodness. Our fulfilled desires become a powerful testimony of His faithfulness and love, glorifying Him in the process. As we align our desires with His will, we become vessels through which His glory is revealed to the world. This fulfillment is not just for our benefit but serves as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His children, inspiring others to seek Him and trust in His promises. [48:38]

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you share a recent fulfillment of your desires with others to glorify God and encourage them in their faith journey?

Quotes

All My Desire is before thee and my groaning is not hid from thee. Psalm 38 verse 9. Desires towards God, a sermon for the weak, a message delivered on Lord's Day morning October the 24th 1880 by CH Spurgeon. It is our Earnest desire that all who are in Christ may be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [00:00:13]

Desires towards God should be made known to him. You, it may be, my dear friend, cannot see any Grace in yourself at all. That you do perceive is a desire to have Grace. You know that you desire to repent of sin, desire to be delivered from it, desire to be made a new creature in Christ Jesus, desire to be perfectly reconciled to God. [00:08:08]

It is of intense Earnest agonizing desires towards God for Spiritual things that I'm about to speak. Such desires ought to be made known unto God. It may be said that God knows our desires and that this is what the text itself asserts. I do not doubt the omniscience of God, but he bids us confess everything to him. [00:09:33]

Prayer which is a constant Duty and privilege is practically desire. It is Desire with its garments on, desire booted and saddled for traveling the Heavenly Road. Prayer without desire is dead, its soul is fled, it is but the carcass of Prayer. When desire is burning in the soul, it sends up the flame of prayer or the Sparks of size and groans. [00:12:41]

A gracious expression of Desire before God will often be to you a proof that those desires are right. A desire that you dare tell to God is sure to be of a Godly sort. If I can say oh Lord All My Desire is before thee and I wish it to be before Thee, I caught thine inspection because I hope they will fulfill the desire. [00:17:40]

Desires towards God are gracious things. Intense groaning desires towards God are in themselves works of Grace, for certainly first they are associated with other graces. When a man can say All My Desire is toward God and my heart groans after him and yet I find little in myself but these desires, I think we can point him to some other good things which are in his heart. [00:19:33]

Desires after God must come from some Source or other. If you desire to be holy, where did that desire come from? Your own corrupt nature? Impossible. Certain Believers in Free Will may think so, but we are not agreed with them. We believe that none can bring a clean thing out of an unclean, neither can Thorns bring forth figs. [00:24:00]

You may certainly judge a bad man by his desires. Here is a man who desires to be a thief; well, he is a thief in heart and spirit. Who would trust him in his house now that he knows that he groans to Rob and steal? Here is a man who desires to be an adulterer; is he not in God's sight already such? [00:26:23]

If you earnestly desire to love God, you do love him. If you desire to be purified, if with a strong continual agonizing desire you Pine for it, already the work of purification has begun, for your desire has been purified, your wish, your will, your heart have been purified already. Is there not proof enough that there is a measure of graciousness about true desires after God? [00:28:05]

Desires toward God are carefully observed by him. It is wonderful condescension that the Lord should observe so poor a creature as a sinful mournful mortal. You heard me read the whole Psalm just now; is it not a terrible description of a horrible sickness? I wonder how many of you would like to go and visit a man who was in the condition which David pictures. [00:37:33]

The best thought of all is that he sees the good points in US, for while David does not say Lord all my wounds are before thee, Lord all this stench and Corruption are before thee, he does say Lord All My Desire is before thee. God has a quick eye to spy out anything that is good in his people. [00:39:07]

If God Delights to fulfill our desires, let us not be slack in Desiring. If you want a sure proof that he will grant gracious desires, let me remind you of his promises. Sometimes One Promise may stick in the memory and be better than quoting 50. Here is the 19th verse of the 145th Psalm; take it home with you: he will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him. [00:46:06]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 21, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?