² You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. (James 4:2 ESV)

Our scripture today is truly a focus on why we go about life without what we desire because we do not ask. We get sideways because things are not going our way and we wonder why. We just cannot seem to get what or where we want and the reason is very clear.

But wait, you say that you have asked. That you have prayed over your desires and yet they still have not come to pass!

However, have you checked in with God to see if they are in line with what He wants. I know it is what you desire, but are the desires for your life in line with God’s plans and desires for His kingdom? Too often we simply toss our desires before God and wait like an expectant child for everything to happen when and how we want. God may have a very different way of fulfilling His plan and your desires. It may even be through unanswered prayer.

Yes, we first need to check ourselves, then check the Word, and then check in with God through prayer about Him revealing His plans as they relate to our desires. We will get an inkling of just how closely our desires align with His plans if we go through this process. God is not a genie waiting for his lamp to be rubbed to pop out and grant our wishes.