"Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied." – Proverbs 27:20
The Bible tells us that human desire, or the "eyes of man," is never satisfied. It keeps longing for more, and whenever the one who desires gets what he wants, he begins to crave for something more. This is a common thing that has put many into trouble.
But when put in the right direction, desire is actually a good thing that can keep us away from it.
Desire That Brings Trouble
Desire is defined as "a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen." People who desire for something "strongly wish for or want" the object of desire, and will likely give effort to get it.
Desire is a very powerful thing that God has embedded deep in our systems. It is not inherently evil, but it can be used for the wrong purposes. Consider how the first ever sin that man committed was brought about by a desire for the forbidden.
"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." (Genesis 3:6)
We all know that God had commanded man not to eat fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, because man was deceived into thinking that it wasn't wrong and that the fruit was indeed desirable, man fell into the trap of sin.
The keyword here is "desirable." What are the things desirable to you?
How to Control Desire
Friends, to desire is natural for all men. After all, God created us with this innate ability. As such, we cannot stop ourselves from desiring anything. Stopping ourselves from desiring anything is like choosing to be dead.
Instead of stopping ourselves from desiring anything (and not achieving anything right in the process), we can choose to desire the right things. We should choose to desire God.
Instead of choosing to bask in the world's offers of temporary bliss, choose to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Christ – for a joy that will go on for eternity. Come to Christ in repentance, and follow Him as your Lord and Saviour. (see Matthew 16:24-26; John 6:35)
Instead of finding satisfaction in personal achievements that fade away in time, choose to find satisfaction in the loving presence of God and His life-giving Word. Cultivate a relationship with God, read His Word, and obey it. (see Psalm 107:9; Psalm 16:11)
Instead of chasing after worldly wealth that doesn't last, choose to store up treasures in heaven that won't be lost anytime. Live your life for the glory of God. (see 1 Thessalonians 4; 1 Peter 4)
