One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (KJV).

REFLECT:
From time to time, we all like to come up with a wish list. Writing these types of lists could be very eventful for many. Say like a birthday wish, a new year’s resolution wishes, a wish list for a new job or career, marriage, when relocating to a new place or home, etc.

The length of these lists could also vary depending on the individual’s needs, aims and goals they desire to accomplish. Generally, wish lists will have on them, the individuals pressing needs, desires, wants, and goals they look to achieve be they short- or long-term achievements for life.

These wish lists will then be used as an anchor or reference to remind, motivate, encourage, guide, and lead us on our journey to achieving or accomplishing the items on the wish list.

As part of the routine to help accomplish the goals on the wish list, some of us may employ additional means and methods to help and assist us in the process.

Such means may be spiritual, prayers, fasting generally engaging the Supernatural. Others could be physical, psychological, and social. Engaging people who have the skills, knowledge, or know-how to help coach, train, and equip us for success.

At the end of the day, two things could happen, it is either we achieve the goals on our wish list, or we don’t. If we do obviously, there will be rejoicing to be experienced. On the other hand, if we don’t, we would be disappointed, and then start the process all over again.

At this point, it is good to stop and ponder briefly and think about the narrative above. What an excruciating process to embark on just to fulfill the desires on a wish list. However, this is the lifestyle we experience as human beings daily.

We go through so much to get very little out of the process. Too much trouble just for very little result. The book of Job explains man’s plight on earth so vividly, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14: 1 (KJV). This statement could stand as fact, but must we take it as the truth?

A fact of life yes, but not the truth. Why is this not the truth we may ask? This is because there is a better way to achieve our goals without the hassles of going through so much pain and untold problems. That is if we do things the right way.

So, what is the right way or approach we must take? Our Bible verse for today —-Psalm 27:4 —- gives us the answers we need. This Bible verse presents to us the perfect wish list that could ever be made.

This wish list is not a clutter of selfish and self-centered desires and goals most of us would have. Human nature likes to compete, compare, connive, and conspire for dominance, power, and undue recognition—intentions to pull others down so we can make it to the top.

Therefore, our goals and wishes are centered on achieving such wicked feats to the detriment of our neighbors and our eternal soul. Even when we pray our prayers are full of such wicked intentions, just as James 4: 1-3 puts it-

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (KJV).

A lot of the time our wish list goes contrary to the will, and commands of God. We are totally far away from what God wants. No wonder the striving, pain, sorrow, and heartaches we experience.

Therefore, our Bible verse seeks to draw our attention to that one thing we must focus on, that should be the center of our attention. That one thing should be God Almighty and the fear and knowledge of Him. This singular desire will open us up to His Divine wisdom and ongoing successes.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9: 10 (KJV).

We are called into a deeper relationship and walk with God, centering all our desires on Him, His beauty, holiness, righteousness, love, and goodness. Our sole desire must be on doing and following His commands and precepts as it is written in His word in the Bible.

It is only by doing this He leads us through the paths of abundance, prosperity, and unlimited and sweatless achievements. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6: 33 (KJV)

So, it is time we come to God surrendering and offering ourselves to Him. Let us lay down our faulty wish lists and take on His own wish list for our lives so that we can go through this life with the ease we so desire.

When we focus our attention on what God our Heavenly Father wants for us, He opens to us the doors of His grace to a life of Joyful and pain-free abundance.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer to Know God’s Presence.

FATHER GOD, continue to be the focus of my daily life. Make Your presence known to me. Draw me close to You so that I can know You more deeply. I want to seek You all the days of my life. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.