the desires of your heart

Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

As I read these oft-quoted verses this morning, it struck me in a fresh way that they are not a formula from God to help us get the things we want. The psalm directs us to find complete joy and pleasure in what the Lord has already given us. The psalmist is tempted to look around him at what other people are doing, at what the unrighteous have, at the apparent injustice in the world. When we compare ourselves with others, and when we start to assert our sense of fairness onto the world, we are robbed of JOY. Be still, wait patiently, the Lord says. Trust God and do good. There is so much in life we cannot control. But this we can- set your heart on the steadfast goodness of the LORD. Meditate on His love and mercy. Be reminded that however chaotic life on earth appears to be, there is a GOD in heaven who is in control. Quiet yourself in the presence of GOD.

What does my heart desire? Love, security, purpose, adventure and yes, happiness. What JOY fills my heart as I realize anew this morning that I have all this and more in Jesus My Lord. I am delighted in God today. Are you?