What Does God Want From Us?

(This is part 1 of a series on God’s will for your life from Scripture.)

The Question

“What is God’s will for my life?”

You’ve probably asked this question before many times. As believers, we all want to know the answer.

It might be in regards to a job or relationship, or whether to attend a party or event—nothing is too big or small for God!

He can handle deeper questions like, what will my life be like in 10 years?, will I ever get married?, and where will I find success and meaning?

Our God delights when we ask.

The Lord is able to speak to your heart in any number of ways—including dreams, prophetic words, and songs. Yet He has also given us the Bible—a book filled with His words—so we can know and love Him more.

The Word reveals God’s will. Scripture is full of commands we can always follow, whether we’re hearing specifically from the Lord or not, and gives us truth by which to test the things we hear.

The Word

Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer in John 17 is a great starting point. Just hours before He goes to the cross, the Son of God declares what He wants for us:

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world . . . that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:24–26)

The Lord wants us to be with Him! He wants our time, attention, and affection. Why? Because He’s worthy, and because giving Him these things also benefits us (this is the true essence of love—it gives!).

Being with Jesus means being with the Onewho is love, light, and truth. He wants to fill us with the same eternal, life-giving love that He and the Father share, a love from “before the foundation of the world” that will endure long after this world is gone (John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20).

What It Means

We are made to share in the love of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and we won’t be satisfied until we do—that’s why Jesus prays!

Do you find it strange that God in human flesh asks God the Father for something? They’re both God, one and of the same essence, yet Jesus asks His Father, pouring out His heart as He prepares to pour out His life. If Jesus needs to ask for things, then let us boldly do the same (see Hebrews 4:12–16)!

We are made to see Jesus in His glory. This is more than what He revealed when He first came to earth. In Revelation 1:12–18, John caught a glimpse of Christ’s “eyes like a flame of fire” and collapsed “as dead”!

Jesus wants us to be with Him in fullness, where His glory won’t cause us to fall like John (although we will bow in worship). This will happen when He returns, but we can ask to experience His glory now!

Walking It Out

God wants us to see more of the beauty of Jesus. The Lord’s beauty includes His provision for every situation, His love, and His peace.

“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

God’s will is that we would seek Him wholeheartedly, because that’s how we’ll find Him—and His will (Jeremiah 29:13).

When we give ourselves to God in worship and prayer, He will meet us. In this safe place, He can speak to any number of fears that we have, direct our hearts into truth, and reveal things about our futures. In short, we will know His will.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear an answer right away. The Lord may just be taking time to enjoy your presence, and wants you to enjoy being in His. He has all the details worked out regarding your job, relationships, and future plans—it’s your heart that He wants to win.

Let’s fulfill Jesus’ great desire by being with Him—in extended times of prayer and worship, and in moment-by-moment conversation all throughout the day. By communing with Him, we will receive greater peace and clarity about His will for our lives!