You Might Not Get What You Want: A Devotional Inspired by The Rolling Stones

We’ve all had those moments, haven’t we? Moments when we’re after something with all our heart, only to find that we’re denied. The song "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones resonates with so many because it reflects a universal truth: sometimes we don’t get what we want. However, hidden within this truth are rich biblical principles that can guide us toward a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God.

Finding Joy in Unmet Desires

Remember the chorus of the song: "You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well, you might find, you get what you need." How true this rings in our spiritual lives!

  • Philippians 4:19: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

God’s promise is clear: He provides not necessarily what we want, but what we truly need. Our desires may stem from temporary wants, but God’s provision answers our deeper, eternal needs.

Reflect on a time when you wanted something so badly but didn’t receive it. How did things turn out in the end? Were there other blessings that God placed in your path instead?

Trusting God’s Sovereignty

One of the key themes from the song that aligns perfectly with biblical teaching is the sovereignty of God. Our disappointments can be opportunities to trust in His perfect plan.

  • Proverbs 16:9: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

It’s a hard pill to swallow that our plans might not align with God’s ultimate plan. Yet, in those moments of disarray and disappointment, we find a profound truth: God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).

What current life plans may you need to surrender to God’s sovereignty today?

God’s Perfect Timing

"You can’t always get what you want" can be a message about patience as well. Sometimes, we don’t get what we want right now, but that doesn’t mean God has forgotten us.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Think of times when you had to wait on something important—a job, a relationship, or an answer to a prayer. Oftentimes, the waiting period itself is where God does His most transformative work within us.

Can you identify a waiting period in your life where God taught you something valuable?

Redefining Our Desires

The song’s message also gently nudges us to reevaluate our desires. Sometimes what we want isn’t aligned with what is best for us spiritually.

  • Psalms 37:4: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

When our desires align with God’s will, He delights in granting them. If we make Him our primary desire, our other wants and needs will fall into their proper places.

Are there desires in your heart that you need to bring into alignment with God’s will?

Strong Call to Action

So as you go about your day, remember this simple yet profound lesson inspired by "You Can’t Always Get What You Want." Allow it to draw you closer to trusting God’s plan, timing, and provision.

Take a moment to reflect. Comment below and share a story of a time when you didn’t get what you wanted, but later realized it was for the best. How did God provide for your needs in that situation?

Engaging with this community not only enriches your own faith journey but also uplifts others. Let’s stay connected and encourage each other as we navigate our desires and God’s divine plans.


By following these principles, not only do we grow spiritually, but we also develop a robust, trusting relationship with our heavenly Father. And remember, what we receive in return, even if it’s different from what we originally wanted, is always perfectly tailored by God for our good.


Keep visiting our devotional series and share this in your circle. Trust in God’s plan and get what you truly need. #FaithJourney #GodsProvision #SpiritualGrowth


If you want to see how ANY song relates to Biblical principles, please try our Music and Scripture GPT. Simply key in any song or set of lyrics and let it show you things you might not have realized otherwise!


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