Seeking God's Will
Anthony Wilson:
Welcome, listeners, to another episode of the Love Thy Neighbor Podcast, your go-to space for spiritual nourishment and understanding. I'm your host Anthony Wilson, and today we're diving into a heart-impacting lesson on "The Importance of Seeking God's Will."
As always, this podcast thrives on your involvement. If any thoughts, questions, or personal stories come to mind directly related to today's topic, please feel free to share!
We’re basing our talk today on two powerful scriptures, Colossians 1:9 AMPC, and Ephesians 5:17 AMPC. Let’s start with a reading from Colossians 1:9, Amplified Classic Edition. It reads:
"For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discerning of spiritual things."
This verse is not just a prayer; it's an invitation—a beckoning for us to dive deep into the mind of God for insights, discernments, and revelation for our lives and situations.
But how do you put this into action? How do you seek God's will in your daily life?
First, through a dedicated prayer life. Life can push us into reactive praying—praying only when faced with challenges. But, proactive praying is where the key to understanding lies—taking time daily to approach God not just with our requests but with an open heart to learn and be led.
Second, indwell in the Word. The Bible is God's word, a golden treasure trove of His revealed will. Understanding and appropriating the scriptures brings us closer to knowing God's heart on various issues.
Lastly, cultivate a listening spirit. Hunting for God's will is not just about speaking out prayers or reading the Bible, it's also about becoming still, silent, and listening. It's in those quiet moments that God whispers truths and insights into our hearts.
Now let's take a look at Ephesians 5:17, AMPC:
"Therefore, do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is."
Challenge yourself this week to become more clear-minded. Be deliberate in your pursuit of understanding God's will, not just tossing casual, thoughtless prayers, but being consistent and seeking clarity daily in your spiritual life.
This week create a prayer schedule if you've never had one before, or develop on the one you already have, invest more time in reading and understanding scripture and balance the art of talking to God with becoming still and listening.
Above all, remember to approach God with an expectant heart because searching the depth of God's will is not a futile exercise. It's a fulfilling endeavor that offers peace, direction, knowledge and it deepens the relationship with our heavenly Father.
Allow me to take you on a brief, yet profound word study, seeking the deeper meaning behind words we often encounter, yet seldom understand in its totality. Let's look at the Greek term, “thélēma". This term springs from another Greek word, "thélō", which signifies a simple yet profound act of desiring or wishing.
Let's slow things down right here, sit back, pause this video or audio and close your eyes if you would, and imagine – thélēma is a desire, a wish, something you desperately want. However, it's not an ordinary, mundane yearning. Instead, it frequently embodies what we refer to as God's "preferred-will"; His divine plan, His "best offer" to us, His children. An offer that we have the freedom to accept or reject.
Interesting isn't it?, that the term carries with it, the -ma suffix, which brings our focus to the expected outcome of this desire, this wish. Thélēma finds its profound usage predominantly in reference to God's will, his preferred wish for us. Yet, it garners occasional mention referring to the desires of men. And there’s beauty in
---
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anthony-wilson/message
