“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16, ESV).
As Christians, we are called to surrender our whole lives to God. This includes our desires. When we surrender our desires to God, we say that we want His way for our lives above our own. We are asking the Holy Spirit to come and take control.
Desires of the Flesh vs. Desires of the Spirit
The Bible tells us that there are two types of desires: those of the flesh and those of the Holy Spirit. “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these oppose one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Galatians 5:17). The desires of the flesh are things like lust, greed, selfishness, and envy. They lead us away from God. The desires of the Holy Spirit are things like love, joy, peace, patience, and gentleness. They lead us towards God.
When we surrender our desires to God, we are asking Him to lead us with His Spirit instead of allowing us to be controlled by our flesh. It’s not always easy, but it is worth it. When we follow the Spirit, we experience life the way God intended it to be experienced. We find genuine joy and satisfaction in Him.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring your desires under control of the Holy Spirit, start by surrendering them to God. Ask Him to lead you with His Spirit and desire His way for your life above your own. It won’t always be easy, but it is worth it. When you follow the Holy Spirit, you will experience life the way God intended it to be experienced. You will find genuine joy and satisfaction in Him.
Your writing is beautiful Kathy. It is just the little pick me up I need at times. Please continue to encourage others with your words.
Thank you for the encouragement!