Paying Attention To Red Flags

Lord, how can I tell if I’m wanting something that’s not good for me?

You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, and you can’t possess it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask me for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.

James 4:2-3

Can you help me pursue what you know is best for me?

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like mine—truly righteous and holy. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives you desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.

Ephesians 4:23-24; Galatians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26-27

What can I pray to keep my desires in line with yours?

Lord, with all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

Psalm 119:58; Psalm 73:25

God created us with the capacity to desire. These desires can be powerful, motivating, and exciting. But they can also distract us and even destroy our lives. What are you desiring right now? Do you find yourself scheming to make it happen, feeling jealous or anxious? Pray the prayer above and ask God to raise red flags about any misplaced desires. Ask him to replace those desires with ones that are pleasing to him.