Pastor Matt reminded us that the hunger within us for something more, something meaningful, comes from God. But there is also a type of desire, a type of wishful thinking, that can only lead to disappointment, since it's not rooted in wisdom.
MY STORY
Describe the most satisfying fulfillment of a wish you've ever experienced.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
(From Proverbs 13)
What are some of the cravings and desires described in this passage?
According to Solomon, why are some longings worth pursuing, and others worth avoiding ... at all costs?
What is the value of deeply yearning for some God-honoring thing, even though that desire might never be fully experienced in this lifetime?
What does God want us to hear? What are some of the more factual "takeaways" from this passage for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "Sometimes [the word desire] is translated as appetite, sometimes life, sometimes soul, sometimes desire because it's trying to capture this core inner sense, this appetite, this hunger within me for something more, for kind of what people refer to as the meaning of life."
How would you answer that age-old question, "What is the meaning of life?"
What are some deep desires in your life that remain unfulfilled? Are those desires rooted in wisdom, or perhaps something else?
What does God want us to do? What are some hypothetical, but practical, ways to apply this chapter from Proverbs?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Pastor Matt said, "Here Jesus revealed something greater than the wisdom of Proverbs. He wasn't simply pointing to wise teaching that protects from death; He was offering Himself as the living water that brings eternal life."
In what sense has Jesus proven to be a deeper well for you ... deeper than all the other cisterns that promised to quench your thirst, but left you feeling parched?
Do a deep dive, in your mind, this week and think about what gives your life meaning? What is it that brings your existence a sense of significance and purpose?
If you struggle with this, find a mature believer you trust to help you figure this out.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you to take in the coming week?
Message Notes
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