Dulling Your Appetite for God: Overcoming Distractions, Desires, Time, and

What Dulls Your Appetite for God?

As a Christian, your ultimate goal is to be in an intimate relationship with God. You want to hunger and thirst for Him, to desire Him above all else. But there are things that can dull your appetite for God, things that distract you from pursuing Him with your whole heart. These things may not necessarily be sinful in themselves, but they can lead you away from God if you're not careful.

In this article, we'll explore some of the things that can dull your appetite for God and how you can overcome them.

The Danger of Distractions

We live in a world full of distractions. Everywhere we turn, there's something vying for our attention. Whether it's social media, the news, or our jobs, there's always something pulling us away from God. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warns us that we cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and the world. We have to choose one or the other.

When we allow ourselves to get distracted by the things of this world, we lose sight of what's most important. We forget that our ultimate goal is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We start to focus on ourselves and our own desires instead of on God's will for our lives.

That's why it's so important to guard our hearts and minds against distractions. We need to be intentional about setting aside time for prayer, Bible study, and worship. We need to be mindful of the things we allow into our lives and make sure they're not leading us away from God.

The Deception of Desires

Desires can be a good thing. God has given us desires for food, companionship, and intimacy. But when our desires become the most important thing in our lives, they can lead us away from God. James 1:14-15 says, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

When we allow our desires to control us, we become slaves to them. We start to pursue them at all costs, even if it means disobeying God's commands. We forget that God's ways are higher than ours and that His plans for our lives are good. We start to believe the lie that we know what's best for ourselves.

That's why it's so important to surrender our desires to God. We need to trust that He knows what's best for us and that His plans for our lives are good. We need to seek Him first and trust that He will provide for our needs. As we grow in our relationship with Him, our desires will start to align with His will for our lives.

The Temptation of Time

Time is a precious commodity. We only have a limited amount of it, and we want to make the most of it. But when we allow time to become our master, we can easily lose sight of what's most important. We start to fill our schedules with activities and commitments that leave little room for God.

In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul urges us to "look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." We need to be intentional about how we use our time, making sure that we're using it to glorify God and further His kingdom.

That means we need to be willing to say no to things that are not in line with God's will for our lives. We need to be willing to sacrifice our time for the sake of pursuing Him. We need to be willing to make Him a priority, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.

The Influence of Others

We're social creatures, and we're influenced by the people around us. That's why it's so important to surround ourselves with people who will encourage us in our faith and help us grow closer to God. But when we allow ourselves to be influenced by the wrong people, we can easily be led astray.

In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns us that "bad company ruins good morals." We need to be careful about the people we allow into our inner circle. We need to be discerning about who we listen to and who we follow. We need to make sure that the people we surround ourselves with are pointing us towards God, not away from Him.

That means we need to be willing to distance ourselves from people who are leading us away from God. We need to be willing to speak the truth in love to those who are struggling in their faith. And we need to be willing to seek out those who will encourage us in our own walk with God.

The Power of Prayer

Ultimately, the key to overcoming anything that dulls your appetite for God is prayer. Prayer is the way we communicate with God, the way we seek His guidance and wisdom, and the way we draw closer to Him.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul urges us to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

When we pray, we invite God into our lives. We acknowledge our dependence on Him and our need for His grace and mercy. We open ourselves up to His leading and guidance, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us on the path He has set for us.

Conclusion

As you seek to grow in your relationship with God, it's important to be mindful of the things that can dull your appetite for Him. Distractions, desires, time, and the influence of others can all lead you away from God if you're not careful. But by surrendering your desires to God, being intentional with your time, surrounding yourself with godly influences, and prioritizing prayer, you can overcome these obstacles and grow closer to God.