Something I was thinking about the other day…
I came across a familiar verse the other day: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Interesting timing considering we’re 3 days from Christmas; the time when most people are dreaming about all the packages under the tree with their names on them. For sure, in these last few days until the 25th parents and grandparents everywhere will be scurrying about checking off lists that have undoubtedly been created months in advance by the little ones they love. Not that we adults can claim otherwise- we also have our own wish lists. Which got me thinking….
What is the real desire of my heart? Sure there’s some things I want or could use (mainly some new tupperware), and I’ve never been one to turn down running apparel, dark chocolate, or coffee. But certainly these are not the desires of my heart. For some the answer to this question may be a new home, a new job, or even living in a different location. There is nothing wrong with these of course, and trust me, I often think these are my true desires as well. But I just don’t think those are the promises of the above mentioned verse. I think the promise is much bigger (and better) than that!
When we delight ourselves in the Lord- when we love Him above all else- we know Him as our supreme gift and source of joy. Consequently, His desires become our desires as well. In case we have any doubt about what God desires for us, we need look no further than Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I don’t know about you, but I’d take any one of those fruits over any gift from a store. Which brings me back to my original self-reflection.
If my answer to the question about the desire of my heart begins to look like the things of this world, then I know I need to ask God to realign my heart and delight myself in His Word, His promises, and in Himself…because even though there are times the world may capture my attention for a moment, what I really desire are the things of God. May this Christmas season find us all delighting in our Heavenly Father who has given us not only His Spirit, but the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ, His Son.
