Uncontrolled Desires
Uncontrolled desires are longings of the heart that are no longer guided by God’s truth or self-control. These desires are not always sinful at first—many begin as good or neutral wants—but when they grow unchecked, they can begin to shape decisions, dominate thoughts, and quietly pull trust away from God. Uncontrolled desires often show up as cravings for comfort, attention, control, pleasure, or immediate relief, leading us to seek fulfillment apart from the life God intends.
Jesus invites us to address desire at its source, not just manage behavior. Freedom from uncontrolled desires begins by honestly naming what the heart is reaching for and surrendering those longings to God. Through repentance, Scripture, prayer, and Spirit-led formation, desires can be reordered and reshaped. Over time, the Holy Spirit forms new patterns marked by patience, contentment, and self-control, allowing us to live from trust in God rather than being driven by impulse or appetite.
Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
— James 1:14
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
— Proverbs 4:23
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
— Galatians 5:24
Explore Practices That Shape the Heart
Study The Bible
Studying the Bible is one of the most important ways we grow as we follow Jesus. This page provides practical tools, trusted resources, and simple next steps to help you understand Scripture and apply God’s truth to everyday life.
Prayer
Prayer is more than words—it’s relationship. Learn how to pray with honesty and faith, build a simple rhythm, and grow closer to Jesus through daily conversation with God.
Fasting
Fasting is a practice of setting aside something good—often food—to seek God with greater focus. Learn how fasting strengthens prayer, deepens dependence, and reshapes your desires toward Jesus
Gratitude
Submission is dying to self and surrendering to God—trusting Jesus enough to obey Him. Learn why submission leads to real life change and how to practice it daily.
Resources to Help with Uncontrolled Desire
“The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness” by Tim Keller
A short, accessible book on identity, grace, and freedom from enslaving patterns.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Course
A discipleship course focused on slowing down, naming desires, and spiritual formation.
YouVersion Bible App
A widely used Bible reading app with thousands of reading plans, including beginner and new believer plans.
Practicing the Way
Teachings and resources from Mark Comer focused on desire formation, habits, and life with Jesus.
NEXT STEPS
Repent
Repentance is more than regret—it’s a turning of the heart toward God. By naming sin honestly and choosing a new direction of obedience, we step out of hiding and into the grace, freedom, and transformation Jesus offers.
Know Jesus
Jesus isn’t just a religious figure—He’s the Savior who invites you into real life with God. Explore who He is, what He offers, and the next steps you can take to know Him personally.
Get Baptized
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It’s a public declaration that you have decided to follow Jesus and want to live for Him. At Sonrise, we celebrate baptisms as a church family, standing with you as you take this powerful step of obedience and faith.
Follow Jesus
Following Jesus means taking your next step with Him in real life. Find practical ways to grow through faith, spiritual practices, community, and everyday life.
NEED HELP?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin, we’d love to walk with you.
Fill out the form below and a trusted member of our team will reach out to listen, pray, and help you take a wise next step.
AN INVITATION TO JOIN US AT SONRISE
At Sonrise Church, we believe real life change happens when people encounter Jesus, walk in truth, and grow together in community. You are welcome here—no matter your past, your struggles, or where you’re starting from. Join us this Sunday to take your next step toward freedom and formation with us. Jesus changes everything.
Sonrise Church
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)
Many people wrestle with inner cravings for comfort, control, pleasure, or escape, often without realizing how deeply these desires shape daily life and spiritual growth.
Uncontrolled desires affect people throughout Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, and the greater East County San Diego area, quietly influencing habits, relationships, and trust in God. While these desires may not always result in immediate outward sin, they often lead to restlessness, impatience, or repeated cycles of disappointment when left unaddressed. At Sonrise Church, uncontrolled desires are understood as a formation issue that calls for repentance, truth, and Spirit-led renewal of the heart.
For those seeking faith-based support for uncontrolled desires in Santee or East County San Diego, Sonrise Church exists to walk alongside you as you pursue transformation. Through Scripture, prayer, and discipleship, God can reorder your desires and form a heart marked by contentment, patience, and self-control. Uncontrolled desires do not have to rule your life—Jesus offers freedom and a new way forward.