Desperate for God: Overcoming the Urge to Wander - XtianHub

Lord, Keep Me Desperate

Have you ever felt a strong urge to wander away from the God you love? The hymn "Come Thou Fount" beautifully captures this struggle:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it;

Seal it for thy courts above.

These lines resonate with many of us because we understand the proneness within ourselves to drift away from God. We long for a deeper commitment, a steadfastness that will carry us through to the heavenly courts. But what does it mean to lose this proneness to wander? How can we overcome it?

A Severe Mercy

The Bible provides some insights into how God can "keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy" (Jude 1:24). While there is an element of mystery to God's intervention, there are also clear patterns throughout Scripture.

Consider the story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32. Despite his past deceptions and questionable actions, Jacob was desperate for God's blessing. He wrestled with God all night, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. This desperate encounter with God transformed Jacob, leaving him with a limp but also with a new name and a renewed commitment to God.

In the New Testament, we see the apostle Paul, who had a remarkable conversion experience on the road to Damascus. From that moment on, Paul's life was marked by a desperate pursuit of God's will. He endured countless hardships, yet remained steadfast in his faith. Paul's letters are filled with exhortations to persevere, to press on, and to stay rooted in Christ.

These stories remind us that losing our proneness to wander requires a desperate dependency on God. It's about recognizing our own weaknesses and limitations, and relying on the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It's a constant surrender of our own desires and an embrace of God's will.

Desperation in the Modern Age

In the modern age, the temptation to wander from God is ever-present. We live in a world filled with distractions, temptations, and competing ideologies. Our natural inclination is to seek fulfillment in temporary pleasures and worldly pursuits. However, true fulfillment and lasting joy can only be found in a deep and intimate relationship with God.

So how do we cultivate this desperation in the midst of a fast-paced, technology-driven world? Here are some practical steps:

1. Prioritize Prayer and Scripture

Make time each day to communicate with God through prayer and engage with His Word. Set aside distractions and create a quiet space where you can focus on hearing from God. Allow His truth to shape your thoughts and actions.

2. Surround Yourself with Like-minded Believers

Find a community of believers who share your desire to stay committed to God. Fellowship with others who can encourage and challenge you in your faith journey. Together, you can spur one another on toward greater desperation for God.

3. Cultivate Gratitude

Develop a habit of gratitude by intentionally acknowledging God's blessings in your life. A grateful heart leads to contentment and a deeper appreciation for God's faithfulness. It helps us stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

4. Embrace Sacrifice

Following Christ often requires sacrifice. Learn to let go of worldly attachments and prioritize your relationship with God above all else. It may mean making difficult choices or stepping out of your comfort zone, but the rewards of a closer walk with God far outweigh the temporary pleasures of this world.

5. Seek Accountability

Find a trusted mentor or accountability partner who can walk alongside you in your spiritual journey. Share your struggles, victories, and aspirations with them. Their support and guidance can help you stay on track and overcome the temptations to wander.

Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of life in the 21st century, let us remember that our proneness to wander is not insurmountable. Through a desperate dependence on God, a commitment to prayer and Scripture, a supportive community, a grateful heart, and a willingness to sacrifice, we can overcome the pull of the world and stay steadfast in our love for God.

Let us echo the words of the hymn:

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it;

Seal it for thy courts above.

May God seal our hearts and keep us desperate for Him, both now and in the future.