I was sitting in church this morning and had one of those I don’t want to forget this—I’m going to write about this when I get home moments. Those moments make up my favorite posts to write and read.
I’m not sure exactly what sparked these thoughts—maybe the pastor talking about the goodness of Jesus and how He gives us abundantly more than we could ever ask for. But I started thinking…
Let’s imagine, for a moment, that you had access to a new AI app that connected you directly to God (stay with me—this is purely for the visual!). You sit down at your computer, load the app, and open a chat. You have one chance to type in anything you want, and in response, God acknowledges your request and confirms that everything you ask for is on its way to you.
One shot to ask for whatever you desire.
What would you ask for?
As I sat with this thought, I started imagining all the things people might ask for. And then I thought about my daughter, Selah, and what it’s like when she asks me for a new toy.
Any parent will know what I mean here.
When Selah asked for her very first toy at the age of 2, I was so excited. It was fun to see her express desire and show her personality in a new way. I was so thrilled that I rerouted our evening plans to go get her the toy she wanted (seriously, haha). She still has that little baby doll today, and it’s sweet to think about.
But as much as she loved it in the moment, the satisfaction didn’t last. The same is true for so many material things she’s asked for since. Some things, of course, hold a deeply special and lasting place in our hearts—like the seashells her great-grandpa sends her with the sweet stories of a mermaid named “Rahama.” Those gifts are treasures we’ll cherish forever, not because of their material nature, but because of the love and thoughtfulness behind them.
Even so, no matter how thoughtful or special a gift may be, things themselves can’t bring us ultimate satisfaction. After Christmas this year, she was so thankful and excited about her toys, but before long, she was already asking, “Can I get a new toy?”
As her mom, I love giving her good things. I love seeing her happy and experiencing joy. But I also know the big picture: that the satisfaction from these things is fleeting.
And I realize—it’s the same with God.
He loves us. He loves giving us good gifts. He hears our prayers and cares about our desires. But He also knows us deeply. He knows that the things we think will satisfy us often won’t. He knows our hearts, our attitudes, and our nature. He knows how easily our desires will leave us just wanting more.
So, I thought to myself: if Selah had one chance to ask for anything, what would I deeply want her to ask for?
I would want her to ask for the things that are truly life-giving and eternal. For a deep, unshakable love for Jesus. To be wildly in love with Him. To ask Him to hold her heart forever, to guide her steps every day, and to fill her with the fruit of the Spirit. I would want her to ask for the supernatural ability to find her ultimate satisfaction in Christ alone. For a never ending desire for more of Him.
Because from that place—wow, what a life.
And then I asked myself: what would I ask for? Would I use my one chance to ask for goodness, mercy, grace, and a deeply satisfying daily relationship with Jesus?
I paused. I thought about it. I let that challenge me. Because honestly, there are so many earthly things that would be easy to type into that chat without a second thought. But… would asking for those things really satisfy? Would they actually add true, lasting value?
I mean, there are no rules, right? Technically, I could ask for it all. But something in my spirit just knows—that an easy “yes” to every worldly thing might only crowd out the deep, unending goodness that comes from putting all of my desire and focus into wanting more of Him.
So yes. A thousand times yes. When I really think about it, I would absolutely use my one chance to ask for more of Him.
Because He has shown me, over and over again, that true contentment and joy come from Him alone. At the end of my life, I want people to say this about me: That woman was wildly in love with Jesus.
I know with every fiber of my being that loving Him with my whole heart, mind, and soul is the most joyful, peaceful, grounded, and content life I could ever ask for.
So here’s my reminder to myself (and to you, if you want it too): My deepest desire is to love Him with everything I have. Because when we do, we find ultimate contentment. Everything we could ever want is found in loving Him.
Last night, we went to an Ian Munsick concert, and one of his songs, “More Than Me,” hit me so hard. It’s about his wife loving God more than she loves him—and how that’s a foundation for their marriage. I’ve talked to Selah about this so often, how when we love God first, we can love others better. I’d never heard this song before, but now it’s one of my favorites. Pretty sure I’ve listened to it ten times already today!
This is the tune I want for my life: loving God first and letting that love guide everything else.
God, I pray over every person reading this today. Light a fire in them. Help them see that You alone satisfy. Teach us to desire You above all else. Help us fall wildly in love with You. Because from that place, we can live each day with gratitude, walking in Your purposes and Your will. Amen.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” – Matthew 22:37
P.S. I should add that I read this to Selah after I wrote it story-style and her takeaways were “I love only Jesus mom… not even you! Nana-nana-boo-boo.” and “Mom, I want a new toy.” 😂 So pray for us!