Finding Joy in God When You Still Don't Desire Him

When I Still Don't Desire God: A Guide to Finding Joy in God

As a Christian, you may have heard the phrase "delight yourself in the Lord" (Psalm 37:4) and wondered how to do that when you don't feel like it. You may have even read When I Don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper but still find yourself struggling to find joy in God.

It's okay to admit that you still struggle to desire God. You're not alone. Even the Apostle Paul wrote, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out" (Romans 7:18). So, what can you do when you still don't desire God?

1. Remember the Gospel

The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day, offering us forgiveness and eternal life. When we remember the Gospel, we remember that we are forgiven, loved, and adopted into God's family. We also remember that our salvation is not based on our feelings or actions but on what Christ has done for us.

When we don't desire God, we may feel guilty or unworthy of His love. But the Gospel reminds us that we are forgiven and accepted in Christ. We can come to God with confidence, knowing that He loves us and wants a relationship with us.

2. Pray for Desire

Prayer is a powerful tool for growing in our relationship with God. When we pray for desire, we are asking God to change our hearts and give us a hunger for Him. We can pray like the Psalmist, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

It's important to remember that prayer is not a magic formula. We may not see immediate results, but we can trust that God hears our prayers and is working in our hearts.

3. Read the Bible

The Bible is God's Word to us. When we read the Bible, we hear from God and learn more about His character and His plan for our lives. Reading the Bible can also help us see our sin and our need for a Savior.

If you're struggling to desire God, try reading the Psalms. Many of the Psalms were written by people who were going through difficult times and struggling to trust God. They express a range of emotions, from joy and praise to doubt and despair. Reading the Psalms can help us see that it's okay to be honest with God about our struggles and that He is always with us.

4. Surround Yourself with Community

Christian community is essential for growing in our relationship with God. When we surround ourselves with other believers, we can encourage and support one another. We can also learn from one another and hold each other accountable.

If you're struggling to desire God, reach out to a trusted friend or mentor. Share your struggles and ask for prayer and support. You may also want to consider joining a small group or Bible study.

5. Serve Others

Jesus said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). When we serve others, we reflect the love of Christ and show others what it means to follow Him.

Serving others can also help us shift our focus from ourselves to others. When we're struggling to desire God, we may be too focused on our own problems and emotions. Serving others can help us see the needs of others and remind us of the bigger picture.

6. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of giving thanks for what we have. When we practice gratitude, we focus on the good things in our lives and see God's blessings all around us. Gratitude can also help us shift our perspective from what we don't have to what we do have.

If you're struggling to desire God, try making a list of things you're thankful for. You may be surprised at how many blessings you have in your life.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you're struggling with depression or anxiety, it's important to seek professional help. Mental health issues can affect our ability to desire God and can make it difficult to find joy in life.

There is no shame in seeking help. In fact, it takes courage to admit that we need help and to take steps to get better.

Conclusion

When we don't desire God, it can be easy to feel guilty or hopeless. But the truth is that God loves us and wants us to find joy in Him. By remembering the Gospel, praying for desire, reading the Bible, surrounding ourselves with community, serving others, practicing gratitude, and seeking professional help when needed, we can find joy in God even when we don't feel like it.

Remember, the Christian life is not about perfection but about progress. We may never fully arrive at a place where we desire God perfectly, but we can keep striving toward that goal.

As the Apostle Paul wrote, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me" (Philippians 3:12).