By: Undre Griggs, Jr.
Whenever we read in the Bible that Christians are promised the desires of their heart, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Psalm 37:4 (ESV): Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
If you are like me, you probably start off by listing some new gadget, a vacation to an interesting location, or even a new job. Oftentimes, we forget to start with the “delight yourself in the LORD” part. To delight ourselves in the Lord is to understand there is nothing more rewarding than obeying the commands of God.
Psalm 19:7-10 (ESV): The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
To delight in the LORD is to understand that our life on earth would be significantly better if we obey the word of God. Sometimes, it may seem like the commands of the Lord are restricting, but if we live long enough; we realize the laws of the Lord are freeing. It is sin that provides the illusion of freedom, while it is actually providing the chains of bondage. Sinful actions can have us imprisoned, confused, and full of regret; while obedience to God will offer clarity, peace, joy, and understanding. Sin will cost us our place in the kingdom of God; while obedience puts us on the path of righteousness, abiding in God’s will. It is to seek the Lord and His will with all of our being; and being willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to be closer to God that defines someone who delights in the Lord. If we focus on God and His commandments, our heart will desire nothing more than the Lord because it will understand there is nothing more precious than His word. Then as we gain and lose wealth, as we gain and lose adoration with the world; we will be unmoved because what is of value to the world is not of value to us. We understand that all good things come from above, and it is the Lord that gives and the Lord that takes away. That is why we pray for the will of God to be done in all situations, because we understand we would rather the will of God be done and it contradict our wishes than for our will to be done and contradict His wishes.
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