Your Heart’s Desires

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Psalm 37:4

Many people like to make a list of things they want to do before they die. The items on a list of life goals are mostly one-time events, not things that will be repeated, and the things on these lists range from simple to much more complex. Someone may want to walk on the beach at sunset with a certain friend, write a poem for an old love, or visit a new place. Another person may choose to include bigger things, such as climbing Mount Fuji, hang gliding in Mexico, or writing a novel.

Many times the things on someone’s list are things the person doesn’t really think he or she will do. It would take a lot of planning and determination. But if people want something bad enough, they will find a way to do it.

Today’s verse talks about the desires of your heart. Something you desire in your heart is different from an item written on a list of goals. Items on a life-goals list are things you want to own or do, places you want to visit, or perhaps people you want to meet. The desires of your heart aren’t like that. They are the things you want most in life, and as you learn more about God and try to follow his way, you will find that you desire the same things that God desires for you. You may begin to desire new opportunities to serve him, a way to develop the talents you’ll use for him, or a new best friend who loves God as much as you do. There may even be things you haven’t thought about yet.

How do you receive the desires of your heart? The first half of Psalm 37:4 says to take delight in the Lord. That means finding pleasure in learning more about God, growing closer to him, and finding your happiness in him. Sometimes God may seem far away or not as real as the people around you. It’s easier to have fun hanging out with friends than spending time with God and allowing him to change you into the person he created you to be.

But in order for the second part of the verse to happen—getting your heart’s desires—the first part of the verse has to take place. When you find your joy in Jesus, then your heart’s desires will line up with what God has planned for you. That doesn’t mean that it’s wrong to want earthly things, but the more important things are the blessings God has planned for your life.

For fun, what ten things would be on your list of goals for your life? Dream big! What kinds of blessings do you think God wants to give his children?