Psalm 37:4 promises, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” [NKJV]
I have heard that verse quoted quite often. Occasionally, however, I realize that the person quoting that verse may not fully understand that verse. We may think that God giving us the desires of our heart means He gives us all the “wants” of our heart.
I have wanted (desired) a lot of things in my life that I should not have. Those things have included material possessions (I really do not need that new Porsche). My desires have sometimes wished not so nice things on others, or they have gone after things that lead to destruction of relationships or reputations. (Things that I am ashamed to even admit to!)
When the LORD says He will give us the desires of our hearts, He did not mean the wants of our old hearts of stone. Remember the promise in Ezekiel 36:25: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” [HCSB]
Our old heart of stone contained a lot of unhealthy and unholy desires. But our new heart of flesh, our new spirit now desires far better things. In fact, our new heart of flesh has only one thing it desires. David expressed that beautifully.
“I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple.” [Psalm 27:4 HCSB]
Today: Thank you LORD that you have removed my stony heart and given me a single-driven focus – one thing I desire from you – Your Presence with me all the days of my life.
