Seeking His Will Before Seeking a Fix

Big idea: Sometimes God calms the storm. Sometimes He calms the child in the storm. It is wiser to seek His will before we seek a quick fix.

True Story

The other day I shared a video about my struggle with depression. A person replied, “You should talk to Jesus,” and sent a natural-healing video, urging me to ask the Lord for healing. I answered, “I know the Lord can heal me at any time. But when someone says they might be depressed, your first response should be: (1) I’m here for you, (2) see your doctor, (3) take your meds.” I told them that simplistic advice like “just talk to Jesus” can cost lives—God often helps us through wise counsel, medical care, and faithful community. I also explained that sharing my videos helps others know they’re not alone and gives them strength.

Scripture Reading (MEV)

“So He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.” Psalm 106:15 (MEV)

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26–27 (MEV)

“Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 (MEV)

Reflection

The Bible invites us to ask (Matthew 7:7–8), yet it also warns that God may allow our insistence to stand—even when it is not His best (Psalm 106:15; see also Israel demanding a king in 1 Samuel 8). That is why the wisest first prayer is not “Lord, fix this,” but “Lord, form me and guide me. What is Your will here?”

In Gethsemane, Jesus models the posture we need: present your honest request and then surrender—“Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). The Spirit helps when we don’t even know what to ask (Romans 8:26–27). Asking in faith does not mean presuming God will do exactly what we want; it means trusting His character and yielding to His will.

With depression and other heavy burdens, rushing to a quick fix may actually rob us of what God is doing: cultivating compassion, deepening endurance, and equipping us to strengthen others who are in the same storm. Sometimes He calms the storm; sometimes He calms the child. If He leaves the storm for a season, He has not left you.

Ask This First

1. Lord, what are You doing in me? Before removal, ask for revelation.
2. Search my motives. Am I seeking comfort over calling? (cf. James 4:3)
3. Give me wisdom and wise help. God often answers through Scripture, prayer, counsel, doctors, and faithful friends (cf. Proverbs 11:14).
4. Use this for others’ good. “Who needs my testimony today?”

Live It Out (This Week)

• When you pray: Begin with surrender: “Father, I want Your will more than mine. Show me what to pray.”
• When someone shares they’re depressed: Say, “I’m here for you.” Encourage them to see their doctor and take prescribed meds as directed. Follow up.
• Share wisely: If your story can strengthen others, offer it. Your openness may be the lifeline someone else needs.
• Stay anchored: Open the Psalms daily; pray Romans 8:26–27 back to God.

Guided Prayer

For Further Reading (MEV)

• Psalm 106 (especially v. 15)
• Romans 8:18–30 (suffering, hope, and the Spirit’s help)
• Luke 22:39–46 (Gethsemane)
• 1 Samuel 8 (Israel demands a king)
• 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (power in weakness)

Notes: Scripture quotations are from the Modern English Version (MEV). This devotion is designed to be read and reflected on in approximately 15–20 minutes.