Wanting is a prevalent theme in the Bible, whether it is the desire for material possessions, acceptance, knowledge, or closeness with God. The Bible provides guidance on how to navigate these feelings of desire and the implications they may entail. Revealing the inherent need for moderation, the Bible cautions against allowing our wants to consume us while, at the same time, inspiring to desire for growth, wisdom and virtue.
What Does the Bible Say About Desire?
The concept of wanting or desire is depicted through various contexts in the Bible. More often than not, the Bible guides that it is not inherently wrong to want or desire, but it emphasizes on the importance of those wants being aligned with righteousness. This narrative cautions against the dangers of unchecked desires which can lead to greed, envy, and discord. However, it also propounds the value of desiring spiritual growth, virtues or knowledge as integral tenets of faith.
Where Do Uncontrolled Desires Lead?
The Bible warns of the perils that unchecked desires may lead to. For instance, succumbing to the want for material wealth can engender greed, while overwhelming yearning for status could spawn envy or pride. These extreme forms of wanting can charm individuals away from the path of righteousness, breed discontentment and even harm interpersonal relationships. Thus, the Bible prompts individuals to exercise control over their desires, using them as means for growth rather than allowing them to breed negativity or discord.
Why Should We Want What God Wants?
Aligning one’s desires with God’s desires is one way of maintaining a closer relationship with Him, the Bible suggests. Desiring what God desires fosters a more profound understanding of His will and increases faith in His providence. It asks people to desire for justice, righteousness, humility, love, and peace, thus implying that our wants should be directed towards spiritual progression and building a community that reflects God’s virtues. Wanting what God wants encourages individuals to keep their earthly desires in check and strive to uphold spiritual values.
When Should We Express Our Wants?
The Bible guides that prayer is the right avenue to express one’s wants before God. However, the caution here is not to treat prayer as a wishlist to God, but to express desires in a manner reflective of faith, humility and patience. Praying for personal growth, wisdom, or patience rather than material gains or temporal success aligns more harmoniously with the Biblical depiction of righteous wants. This shift in focus from asking to gratefulness and submission allows individuals to develop a stronger relationship with God.
Who Can Help Us Navigate Our Wants?
The Bible considers God as the most reliable guide in navigating the maze of wants’. It insists on God’s wisdom as the compass that can help align personal desires with righteousness, navigating through a life of virtue rather than vice. Apart from God, the Bible refers to the community of believers as essential in guiding an individual’s wants. This collective, through shared experiences and wisdom, can help individuals manage their desires effectively, further strengthening their faith and spirituality.
Below is the full list of bible verses on wanting (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Wanting
Matthew 6:33
“33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Colossians 3:2
“2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Related Themes: Lust Humility Indulgence Mind Thinking
Psalm 37:4
“4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Related Themes: Frustration Dating Happiness Life Business
1 Chronicles 16:11
“11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.”
Related Themes: Pride Perseverance Strength Life Homelessness
Luke 1:37
“37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Criticism Strangers Creativity Faith
Psalm 23:1-6
“1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Life Hope Omnipotence
Isaiah 41:10
“10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Hope Strength Healing
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Isaiah 26:3
“3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Related Themes: Frustration Peace Life Rest Trust
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Romans 12:3
“3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Related Themes: Patience Prayer Loneliness Nervousness Worry
Hebrews 11:6
“6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Related Themes: Faith Pleasing God Greatness Healing Life
Joshua 1:9
“9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Related Themes: Frustration Courage Business Self Confidence Fear
