Free to Thrive: How Your Hurt, Struggles & Deepest Longings Can Lead to a Fulfilling LifeSampel

## Desires & Longings Do you know what drives you to do the things you want to do and even the things you hate? Your God-given desires. What? Yep. God put within humanity desires – heart longings – that drive everything we do. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our actions, our thinking, our beliefs, the good choices we make, the bad ... all of these are driven by our heart longings. Throughout the Bible, there are seven longings of the heart that are wired in us that motivate everything we do. Some of them include our need to be accepted, to feel safe, and to receive adequate attention. We were designed for the Garden of Eden, where all of these longings and needs were perfectly met by God, ourselves, and others – and to thrive as a result. Even in our unhealthy decisions and behaviors, we are attempting to fulfill our God-given longings and desires, only in unhealthy ways. Identifying these longings and how they play out in your life is the first step to your healing. Take some time to talk with God about your deepest longings. Think about practical ways He has recently met your longings for attention, acceptance, and safety through Himself and others. 1\. How have you experienced acceptance, attention, and safety from God and others? 2\. How has the fulfillment of these longings made you feel? How has it positively impacted your life or community? 3\. In what ways can you move toward finding acceptance and safety through God and others today?