Your Will be Done

When we pray for God’s will to be done, do we have any idea what we are asking? Do you actually want to give up your free will, or do you still prefer your will, your way? Perhaps you’d like some balance of your will and his will. 

But what if you could see that his will is always “good, pleasing and perfect?” My progression, to actually wanting God’s will, God’s way to be done in my life, went something like this: 

Before I was born again, I absolutely did not want God’s will, God’s way. Who would? The words that came to mind when I thought of God’s will were dull—no fun—restrictive—rules. Even after I was born again, at least for a period of time, I did not want his will. I wanted my will!  

But now that I have learned, and lived, his will, his way, I see it for what it is: “Good, pleasing, and perfect” – always the best, and always the best path to the  A+ Life to the Full. The key is found in Romans 12:2: 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve – you will know –  what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Bold italics mine) 

First, stop conforming to this ridiculous world’s patterns. We then can start to think differently, renewing our minds. Then we will be able to see and know just how rich God’s will always is. Always. 

Interestedly, the Greek word for will is “Thelema.” It has two components to it. The first you would expect: “Purpose.” The second might surprise you: “Pleasure.” Yes, God is purposeful in his will, his way, but he is also fostering pleasure through his will, his way. Now that would have shocked me in my earlier years. 

But this is no “Bread and Water” God we serve. He is a God of feasts! Listen to that old curmudgeon, Isaiah, about our Father, in the heavens: 

On this mountain, the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—  the best of meats and the finest of wines. —Is. 25:6 

“Rich food – a banquet of aged wine – the best of meats and the finest of wines.” What a boring, dull God! 

C.S. Lewis had this to say: 

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”   The Weight of Glory 

I could give you so many more scripture passages demonstrating that God’s will, God’s way is always, not just the best, but the best timing, and the best outcome. But you are going to have to try it to truly know it. So let me close with this one. As you read this, ponder if this fits your idea of God’s will: 

Be joyful always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thess. 5:16-18 (Bold added) 

His will for you is that you be so full of joy, you are constantly thanking him in your on-and-off, throughout the day conversations with him. What a will! What a Father! I’ve seen it. I have lived it. You can have it. 

The next time you pray Our Prayer, when you get to the “Your will be done” part, belt it out with confidence and heartfelt desire. Because you really do want his will – not yours!