Desire, Opportunity, Providence

We will pursue what is in our heart, so mind what you let grow there

The intricate interplay between desire, opportunity, and providence forms a complex tapestry that weaves through the fabric of human existence. These three elements, each with its unique significance, shape the course of our lives, influencing decisions, outcomes, and the quality of our lives and of those around us.

If you've ever wanted to do something and had the opportunity presented to you but were unable to follow through because not everything lined up correctly, then you know just how true this principle is.

Desire, a fundamental aspect of human nature, serves as the driving force behind individual aspirations. It is this yearning, the hunger for something beyond our experience, that propels people to dream and strive for more. Desire can manifest in many ways, encompassing a spectrum from the mundane to the profound — ranging from the desire for success, love, knowledge, to the pursuit of a deeper spiritual connection. It is the spark that ignites the human spirit, giving purpose and direction to our lives.

Opportunity, the nexus between desire and reality, is found in invitations of various forms that present ways for us to experience our desires. These are the doorways through which desires can transform into tangible outcomes. Opportunities come in various forms—educational, professional, personal, or even serendipitous encounters that present a chance for us to experience what our heart longs for. The dynamic and fleeting nature of opportunities requires us to be perceptive and ready to seize the moment when it comes.

The relationship between desire and opportunity is symbiotic, each supporting and enhancing the other. The intensity of our desires enhances our perception of opportunities, making us more attuned to possibilities that align with our yearnings. Conversely, recognizing and seizing opportunities can further fuel and refine our desires, resulting in a revolving and evolving cycle.

This interplay of forces is a concrete truth in life, and it operates in both the positive and the negative. If our desire is for good, then we recognize opportunities for doing good and pursue them. The reverse is just as true. If our desire is for evil, say viewing pornography, using drugs, stealing, cheating on a business deal, or some other evil, we can rest assured that we will recognize those opportunities as well. What we cannot predict is where following them will lead. "Just this once" is a fool's refrain.

What we desire in our hearts puts our senses on alert. When we recognize opportunities to fulfill our desires, be they good or evil, then our decision is to act or not act. If we are morally weak enough to lust after evil, the odds of our acting morally when all the conditions line up are long indeed. This is why safeguarding what our heart desires is so crucial. We are responsible for judging our desires and actions.

The narrative takes on a deeper dimension when considering providence as a spiritual force which can have either a negative (evil) source, or a positive (Godly) source. Godly providence, sometimes understood as divine guidance or intervention in human affairs, introduces a layer of spiritual significance to the relationship between desire and opportunity. It encompasses the belief that there is a higher, wiser, stronger, and benevolent force at play in the unfolding of events — an omnipotent presence guiding the course of our lives.

Desire for God's providence leads us to a point of trust and surrender. It invites us to navigate the dance of desire and opportunity with pure aspirations and motives, and faith that there is a purpose to the unfolding of events beyond our comprehension. Challenges and setbacks we encounter along the way are perceived as opportunities for spiritual growth and learning guided by divine wisdom. Advantages and unexpected provision are perceived as God's hand moving in our favor. The acknowledgment of God's love for us and His beneficial providence leads us to a place of humility and reverence, recognizing the limits of our understanding in the face of a higher, transcendent power.

He is our Creator, our Maker, and He longs for our return. When we turn our hearts into Him, He responds with His mercy and love. We have all failed in life, sometimes miserably. He already knows about our failures and is waiting to forgive us when we confess and repent.

Mind what is in your heart, the things you desire and chase. These set the course of your life. Desire and chase Him and His gift of freedom.

Shalom