I watched our two-year-old dog chase bees buzzing in and around my ginger blooms. Each day he jumps trying to catch one, hyper and excited about the chase.

Little does he know a sting comes with catching that little guy.

Sometimes our wishes come with setbacks too.

When our boys were young, we visited a local park for a family outing. We took our two large dogs with us. The two younger boys begged to hold the dogs’ leashes and walk them. We finally gave in and gave each son a leash. A few moments in, the dogs saw a squirrel and bolted, hauling both boys haphazardly through the woods.

The moment still replays in my mind at times, often in slow motion with a humorous twist — like a scene from an old western of someone being dragged behind a startled horse.

Their obsession with control took them much faster than they wanted to go and down a path they never intended to take.

Slow down

Don’t we do that in life? We get excited about all the worldly things buzzing around us – earthly pleasures, riches, affluence or material possessions. When we achieve them or obtain them, many times a sting or backlash accompanies them.

Could we slow down for a moment and test to see if these wants or desires are from the Lord?

After the Israelites disobeyed God when He told them to go in and conquer the promised land, God issued their punishment: 40 years back in the desert. They quickly retracted and launched into battle to take the land, ignoring God’s direction. They attempted to claim God’s promise without His power or presence and lost the battle because God was not with them (see Deuteronomy 1).

Samson, a warrior and the last of the judges in Israel, lost his eyesight and his strength because he gave in to earthly pressures and pleasures. When Delilah had his hair cut, he didn’t know that the Lord had left him (see Judges 16).

Saul, the chosen leader of God’s people, failed to seek God. He sought after power and prestige, and the counsel of people who were enemies of God. He lost his kingship and his life (see 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 31).

Judas sought wealth and greed. He died remorseful and without hope (see Matthew 26-17).

King David held mostly godly desires. Many times, he inquired of the Lord before going into battle. Or he would ask which direction to take and not move forward until he had received confirmation from the Lord. In a moment of weakness, though, he gave in to human desires. A man died, a woman became a widow, and a child died as a result.

Find hope

These stories prompt me to reflect on how I’ve also given in to my wants and desires and the consequences that resulted.

However, God has been with me through mistakes and shortcomings, through a battle or the fire, through big decisions or daily direction for the next step.

When worldly pursuits leave us feeling empty or unfulfilled, much like King Solomon’s description of “chasing the wind,” Jesus offers redemption. He provides hope. He heals our hearts and invites us into His presence.

We can come to God empty-handed, deeply in need. He meets us with instant and complete forgiveness. His sacrifice makes us worthy. Whether in battle, the test of a lifetime, prideful or power hungry, He is present and He owns the victory.

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