Our Needs/His Desire

I haven’t read the book, but a friend highly recommends The Seven Desires of Every Heart, by Mark and Debra Laaser. Although it came out in 2008, its message is still relevant and true. Each and every one of us desires the following:

• To be heard and understood – We don’t want to be fixed or told what to do as much as we want someone to listen to us and hear our heart.
• To be affirmed – Even the most confident people want to be recognized, liked, respected, and feel as if they have made a difference in the world.
• To be blessed – We may know we are special and loved because God created us, but we also want to know we matter to others.
• To be safe – Emotionally speaking, we need to know we won’t be betrayed or hurt by those we have entrusted our feelings.
• To be touched – We are physical beings, and we need touch to know we are alive and not alone. Research suggests we need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 for maintenance, and 12 for growth.
• To be chosen – We are children of God, but we also need special relationships with others. Ever not been picked for sports? Yup, it hurts.
• To be included – In today’s terms, we call is FOMO: fear of missing out and/or being ignored, forgotten, and left out. Even the most reserved, quiet people need to feel wanted.
• To be remembered – Birthdays, momentous occasions, or simply our name when remembered by others warms our hearts. We need to know we weren’t invisible but seen, heard, felt, and our time here on earth will be remembered by someone.

This is how God made us. These desires are ingrained in us, and when these needs aren’t met, we can disconnect emotionally from the world. This, in turn, removes us off of God’s team. You see, God’s deepest desire is to have a loving, personal relationship with every human being so that no one is lost and all find salvation. He relies upon us and our relationship with others to display His love to each other.

Interesting how we need each other to meet these needs. We can’t do it alone! I believe God intentionally created us with these desires so we would help each other, and in turn, share His hope with the world! When we serve and love each other, we are not only meeting human needs but God’s ultimate desire.

Having these desires is not selfish but how we are designed. When these needs are filled, we are able to do God’s work. You’ve heard the saying, “See a need, fill a need.” This couldn’t be truer than with our relationships with each other, especially when we remember we are ambassadors for Christ the King! We are on His team and are tasked with growing it.

Don’t assume someone else will do it. Listen with your heart, compliment sincerely, and be trustworthy with other’s feelings. Don’t be afraid to place a hand on a shoulder or arm, and hug when appropriate. Know what makes those in your life feel special and treat them as such. You don’t have to wait for a holiday to invite people over. Celebrate the gift of life! When you can, remember birthdays, anniversaries, deaths of loved ones, and significant events. Be the light in the darkness. When the rest of the world is harsh and cold, be warm and loving.

Besides growing God’s Kingdom, you will also enlarge your own faith and well being. Truly a win-win-win! Ready for a God-centered mindset? Checkout my booklet, Time for a Shift