Finding the Desires of Your Heart - Beloved Women - April 10, 2024
READ: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: When I was in my early 20s (and still a young Christian), this verse would often upset me. I very clearly remember a group of fellow college students and I, sitting in my parent’s living room talking about all things (as college kids do), and venting my frustration with this verse. “Well, I’ve been praying and guess what?! I still haven’t gotten the desires of my heart!” I’m sure the desires of my 20 year old heart looked much different than they do now, but that doesn’t mean it made it any easier.
Thankfully, years of life and experience have taught me many things and I no longer get angry with this verse. Instead, I’m reminded that, even though it sometimes means the Lord is doing a work to align my desires with His and it isn’t always easy, it's always far better than what I could have imagined. Maturity has developed in me a willingness to be shaped and formed by the Lord, even if that means surrendering a dream or desire.
What does taking delight in the Lord mean? It’s the disciplines we’ve always been taught. Reading His Word and spending time with Him in prayer, thanking Him for His blessings and seeking His will.
PRAY: Lord, thank You for always doing a work in me. I pray You would shape my desires to bring You more glory and that it will draw me closer to You. Help me see You today. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I Pray. Amen.
REFLECT: What is a desire that has gone unfulfilled? What scriptures can you turn to, to help guide you as you work through that?
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Jamie Lapeyrolerie at www.musingsofjamie.wordpress.com.
© 2021 by Jamie Lapeyrolerie. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
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