Tame Your Desires

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: August 29, 2024

Scripture: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'" — Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts

Desires are a natural part of being human, but they can sometimes lead us away from God’s will. Jesus calls us to a life of self-denial, where we put aside our desires to follow Him. Taming our desires isn’t about suppressing them entirely but aligning them with God’s purpose for our lives.

Consider King David's example. When David saw Bathsheba, he was overcome by desire. Instead of taming that desire and seeking God’s will, he allowed it to lead him into sin—adultery and even murder (2 Samuel 11). David’s unchecked desire had serious consequences, not just for himself but for many others. However, when he repented, God restored him, demonstrating the importance of controlling our desires and aligning them with God’s will.

Practical Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there desires that you’ve allowed to take control? It could be a desire for success, recognition, material possessions, or even relationships. These desires aren’t necessarily bad, but when they become the driving force in our lives, they can lead us away from God. To tame your desires, start by identifying them and bringing them before God in prayer. Ask Him to help you prioritize His will over your own desires.

A practical way to tame your desires is to practice daily self-denial. This could mean fasting from something that holds a significant place in your life or simply saying “no” to a personal indulgence as a way to remind yourself that God’s will comes first. Over time, these small acts of self-denial can help align your desires with God’s plan for your life.

Closing Thought

Taming your desires is not about losing yourself but about finding your true self in God’s purpose. When you align your desires with God’s will, you discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from living in obedience to Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging that my desires can sometimes lead me away from Your will. Help me to tame my desires and align them with Your purpose for my life. Give me the strength to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You daily. May Your will be done in my life, and may I find true fulfillment in living according to Your plan. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.