What Does God Want from Me?

We can all remember situations we’ve faced in which we felt totally confused about what to do. This confusion may have arisen because we were unclear on what was expected of us. When we struggle with a troubling issue, a sense of uncertainty about God can cause us to ask ourselves exactly what He wants from us. Knowing God’s will brings clarity and understanding; we find purpose and direction by studying His Word.

Often, we accept bad situations because we think they’re God’s way of punishing us for something we did wrong. God doesn’t punish people, and this isn’t His will for us; if that’s what we think He’s like, we’ve got Him pegged all wrong. God actually has overwhelming love and compassion for us. “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” (1 Cor. 14:33). This is something He never wants us to be confused about.

Through His Word, God reveals just how He feels about us. The more we read and meditate on it, the more we know about Him. This strengthens our faith and trust in Him, and brings us peace that can’t be taken away. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Is. 26:3). God wants to bring us peace of mind in the midst of whatever we’re going through.

Studying God’s Word also helps us form a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, who is the perfect image of His nature. Jesus wants to be deeply involved in every aspect of our daily lives; knowing Him grounds us and gives us a clear purpose and direction. We can trust Him to guide us down the correct path in life. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5, 6)

When we don’t know where to find the solution to an issue, we can feel like we’re stumbling along in the dark. We may have been taught to look for our own answers to life’s problems, but none of us have the innate ability to do that without God’s help. Turning to Him sheds light on every situation. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Letting Him provide us with the answers we need guarantees that we’ll never have to be in the dark about anything.

Sometimes our confusion comes from going to the wrong people for help and getting bad advice. That will never happen when we consistently go to God, first, when we’re in trouble. He only gives directions that get us back on track. “Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” (Prov. 11:14) Where we get our information from can determine whether we succeed or fail.

What God wants from us is a loving, personal relationship with Him. He wants the best for us, and His will is for us to rely on Him to lead us so we can receive the good things He wants us to have. “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17) We show true wisdom when we trust God for everything we need to confidently move forward in life.