Taming the Current: When Our Desires Don't Match the Lord's Plan

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to refine our understanding of what it means to follow Christ—to truly live as disciples—we run into some of the most tender areas of our hearts. We talk a lot about revelation, about the Spirit guiding us, and that’s wonderful. But sometimes, the whispers of our own deep, persistent desires can feel louder than the quiet confirmation of the Spirit. It can feel like God is whispering *through* what we want most.

I was reflecting recently on a powerful discussion about this very tension: the space between what we *want* and what the Lord *has* ordained. It’s a topic that can feel deeply personal, especially when those desires involve relationships or life paths that seem so vividly painted in our hearts.

We are taught to follow the Spirit, and that’s paramount. But what happens when our deepest, most persistent desires—the ones that feel so *right*—seem to pull us in a direction that doesn't quite align with the overall trajectory of the covenant path? The key, as I’ve learned through my own experiences in the field, is to approach these desires not as destiny, but as divine diagnostic tools.

Desire as a Mirror, Not a Map

The counsel we hear—from mentors, from friends, even from seemingly authoritative sources—is invaluable. But we must guard against placing too much weight on any single voice, even well-meaning ones. We are tempted to let someone else make the decision for us because owning the full weight of the choice feels too heavy. That’s a very human tendency.

The insight here, which I want us to carry with us as we become more seasoned disciples, is this: Our desires are not predictors of the future. They are not, by default, the voice of God. They are, however, incredibly useful!

Think of your desires like a mirror. They don't show you the future; they show you what is currently residing deep within your heart. They reveal what you truly value, what you long for at your core, and what needs to be examined.

This isn't meant to discourage us from having passions or dreams. We are not meant to kill our desires! We are meant to *attend* to them. We examine them with honesty, humility, and a willingness to be corrected by the Spirit.

The Core Question: What Does This Reveal About Me?

So, the next time a recurring desire surfaces—whether it’s for a specific career, a particular relationship, or a certain lifestyle—I want you to pause. Don't just accept the feeling. Instead, ask yourself, very honestly, "What does this desire really reveal about me? What is the fundamental longing underneath this desire?"

Bring that question to prayer. Don't just ask, "Will this happen?" Ask, "What does this longing reveal about my current understanding of covenants, of eternal progression, and of the Atonement?"

This process of self-examination—of looking past the immediate attraction to the underlying spiritual need—is what builds true spiritual maturity. It’s what allows us to move beyond simply *wanting* something to truly *knowing* what the Lord has prepared for us.

This principle applies everywhere, whether you’re preparing for your own mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply trying to discern your path as a lifelong disciple. We are always in the process of learning to discern the subtle, guiding voice of the Spirit from the loud, compelling voice of our own deepest longings.

If you're looking for ways to deepen this kind of thoughtful study, I highly recommend checking out the resources available in LivingBook. Sometimes, diving into a structured study, like a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces, can provide the framework needed to ask these difficult, necessary questions.

For those of us who are wrestling with these tough questions of discernment, I encourage you to utilize Davee. He’s excellent at walking through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping us frame our answers with grace and clarity. Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, and that starts with being an honest missionary to ourselves.