When I hit the bumpy parts of life and start veering off the road, I immediately turn to Psalm 37:4.
Of course I love the notion of God giving me the desires of my heart, but I always remember that his promise is conditional on me delighting in him.
The way to delight in the Lord is to do what pleases him and install his Word in our hearts. Then and only then are we sanctified in ever-increasing waves of holiness as he meets the desires of our heart.
WHY WE MUST DELIGHT IN GOD
- It inspires obedience.
- It builds a love for Scripture.
- It increases the desire to do his will.
- It develops stronger spiritual muscles.
- It sustains us through pain and trials.
- It knocks down negativity and depression.
God rejoices when we live in a way that honors God and his Word. When we understand the truth of his supremacy. When we kneel in supplication at his throne.
God delights in our delighting in him. But we must avoid having his crystal clear delight in us (Psalm 147:11) keep us from the TOP PRIORITY of doing the very thing he delights in—us delighting in him.
For me, I ask God to keep my focus much more on the first part of Psalm 37:4—delighting in him–than the last part—receiving the desires of my heart.