Now, let’s talk about this blessing. As Christians, we hear this prosperity gospel all the time. It’s a veritable flood of promises about overflowing bank accounts and a life of luxury and comfort. And there is nothing inherently wrong with acknowledging God’s generosity.
But is that all? Is a rich bank account the ultimate goal of God? Is that what keeps God awake at night? Honestly? No, not a chance. He’s never against us buying a new car or having a fun vacation, but his heart wants more than that. Something deeper than a five-star resort or the latest iPhone.
We’re talking about relationships: pure, honest, deep relationships with God. The type that makes you laugh, make you cry, make you question everything at times, and yet make you feel completely loved. That is the true treasure.
Knowing God, loving Him fiercely, and walking hand in hand with grace is true wealth.
Let’s look beyond material wealth and riches and delve into some of the true desires God has for us.
Beyond the Surface: Revealing God’s Heart
So let’s abandon the simple prosperity gospel that all of God is like a vending machine in heaven. Because, honestly, it seems silly to think of God as a divine ATM that just gives away wealth at will. The Bible gives a richer picture. God desires connection and soulful conversation with us. Rather than just giving you riches, God wants a relationship that makes your heart sing.
This can also be confirmed from the words of the Bible. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Would you trade a truly meaningful connection with a loved one for money? Probably not. Pursuing wealth without sincere faith is completely unstable. It’s like trying to build a castle on top of marshmallows. You may experience a temporary excitement, a kind of sugar rush, but it will eventually crumble and end.
God wants us to thrive by living lives filled with spiritual depth, emotional resilience, and the unparalleled peace that only comes from a close relationship with Him. God’s desire is for us to live lives filled with material blessings, God’s love, grace, and abiding peace that surpasses all understanding.
That’s the real deal. True long-term prosperity begins there. And frankly, it’s worth a lot more than winning the lottery.
To know him: the intimate longing of a loving father
One of God’s greatest desires for us is to have a deep relationship with Him. This is not just an academic understanding, like the one you get from studying religious texts. It is a deep understanding, a bond that transcends language, a connection that enriches our minds with wonder and curiosity.
Consider how many times the psalmist conveys his longing to “see the glory of the Lord” or to “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life” (Psalm 63:2, Psalm 27:8, Psalm 27:4). These were not empty words. It was a heartfelt call to a deep connection with God.
This deep understanding requires purposeful effort. This includes setting aside time for prayer, scripture study, and quiet meditation. It involves seeking God’s presence, hearing His Word, and allowing God to mold and form us into the image of His Son. It means surrendering our desires to the Lord, trusting His plan even when uncertain, and welcoming the journey of faith with a receptive heart and mind.
It involves developing a deep love for God’s nature and valuing God’s unfailing love, infinite grace, and abiding faithfulness. It is a romance, a lifelong quest, a journey of exploration that unfolds throughout our lives.
Loving with all your heart: Reflecting the agape of God
Another deep desire of God’s heart is that we love sincerely and project God’s agape love to the world. Agape is not the temporary, intense love that is common in romantic relationships. It is a selfless, sacrificial love that reaches everyone, regardless of whether they deserve it or their feelings toward them.
It is love that forgives our enemies, shows empathy to those who are overlooked, and shows generosity to those who are unearned.
Jesus perfectly demonstrated this love when He sacrificed Himself on the cross for our sins. His sacrifice was not a bargain. Rather, it was an outpouring of love so great and deep that it was beyond human comprehension. Even when we were still sinners, Jesus cared for us and offered us forgiveness and salvation despite our shortcomings.
This is the type of love God wants us to reflect and share with the world as a symbol of His grace. It is love that changes lives, restores broken hearts, and unites divided communities. It is a transformative love that challenges our established beliefs and invites us to exist beyond our own boundaries.
Thrive God’s Way: The Fruit of Deep Relationships
Let’s get back to this whole prosperity thing. True prosperity depends on understanding God deeply in your soul and loving Him with a burning passion. Reconsider your material possessions and replace them with a life lived to the fullest.
Remember that parable about talents? (Matthew 25:14-30). Masters didn’t just reward increased profits; He recognized loyalty and hard work, a genuine effort to make the most of what was given. He had a broader perspective.
Likewise, God is not a cosmic accountant tallying up our bank balances. God is more interested in seeing us use our talents, skills, and pure being to build His kingdom and bring a little brightness to the world.
That is the true essence of divine prosperity. A life that is in tune with God’s purpose, a life that reflects God’s amazing grace. It’s not just about accumulation. It means that it will become. And frankly, it’s much more interesting.
Obstacles and challenges on the path to God’s desires
The path to achieving God’s true desires is not always easy. We can encounter temptations, challenges, and obstacles that lead us astray. Arrogance can obscure our need for God, fear can prevent us from following God’s will, and selfishness can prevent us from truly loving.
These obstacles are inevitable, and learning how to deal with them is essential to our spiritual growth. Nevertheless, the benefits far outweigh the challenges as we become more resilient and closer to God throughout our journey. We are not alone in facing these challenges. God recognizes our human limitations and is always willing to provide help and support.
Our personal imperfections can often get in the way of our journey. We are everyday creatures, vulnerable to complacency and easily swayed by the temptations of momentary pleasure. We often cling to our own aspirations and put our own interests above the common good.
embrace the path of spiritual development
Living a life that pleases God is a marathon, a lifelong quest for self-exploration and spiritual growth. Think of it less as an end goal and more as a fascinating, winding journey that continually unfolds and discovers surprising scenery. It requires continued education, an unwavering pursuit of knowledge, and a readiness to forgive past experiences and welcome the transformative nature of change.
power of prayer
Prayer serves as a powerful means to connect with God’s heart and synchronize our lives with God’s desires. It is an honest conversation with our Heavenly Father, a moment in which we express our feelings, seek His direction, and receive comfort and support.
Prayer involves understanding God’s divine purpose for our lives. By praying, we can develop a richer understanding of God’s character, God’s love, and God’s plan for our lives. We can gain strength to face challenges, receive guidance in difficult choices, and find peace to endure trials.
Prayer serves as an important connection, a means of comfort, and a way to connect with God, fostering a deeper relationship. It is vitally important to our relationship with God and should not be ignored.
In essence, God’s greatest desire for us goes far beyond mere financial wealth. While God certainly wants us to succeed, his primary goal is for us to have a close relationship with Him, love Him dearly, and live a life that glorifies Him.
This is the true path to a life full of meaning, happiness, and contentment. It is a life rich in spiritual encounters, defined by deep and lasting connections and driven by a love that transcends all worldly limitations. It’s not a sprint to the end. It is a path of faith and a journey of change that develops throughout life.
It requires surrender, humility, and a readiness to follow God’s guidance. It means accepting challenges, celebrating successes, and striving to be more like Christ.
Ultimately, the fulfillment of God’s deep desires within us will lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life, both for ourselves and those close to us. It is a life full of meaning and happiness, a life in harmony with the desires of our Creator.
So let us embrace the journey and move forward toward God’s greatest desire for us: to grow, to understand Him, and to truly love Him. This is an essential element in accessing the full life God intended for us. This refers to the core of our faith, the fundamental nature of being children of God. Strive to live a life that shows the Lord’s love and glorifies His name.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/jacoblund
Emmanuel Abimbola is a creative freelance writer, blogger, and web designer. He is from Ondo State, Nigeria, West Africa, and is a devout Christian with an uncompromising faith. Emmanuel loves children and runs a small primary school in Aligidi, Nigeria.
