Delight In The Lord

Psalms 37:4  "Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of your heart"

Imagine this, It’s a hot day around 90 degrees and the air conditioner promptly malfunctions, needing repair. Hot, and bothered you decide to take a trip to the community pool. Upon arrival, you're told by the employee that the pool has reached maximum capacity.

Now, officially bummed but determined to cool off, you venture to the nearest fast food chain; only to find the ice cream machine broken down for repairs.

"Is this day really happening, why am I on the struggle bus?"

Thankfully, a phone call from an amazing friend ends with a much needed invite to their air-conditioned home. You gladly accept. Your friend greets you at the door and you're delighted with a gush of cool air as you make your way inside.

We all can relate to moments like this, where every effort is matched with resistance. Life is very similar to this scenario, as we tend to search for comfort... only to be left uncomfortable.

You could work hard every day only to live paycheck to paycheck.

You may knock on doors for opportunities only for them to be slammed forcefully in your face. We may open our hearts to individuals, only to be left disappointed in the end.

No matter the downfalls we pick ourselves up and continue striving towards our goals for: wealth, success and love. Unfortunately, in these pursuits we may grow weary, and fragile.

Can i pose a question? What if our desires are indeed aligned with our purpose, we are simply undergoing adversity for us to change our strategy?

David's life echoes strategy given from the spirit of God. The way in which he fulfilled his purpose cemented his identity as a man after God's own heart.

We know David was an underdog. His dad, Jesse, did not initially address David as one of his sons to Samuel. He was disappointingly an afterthought.

Upon being chosen, he became a mighty warrior and later a King. We also know that David sinned, and gave into his earthly lusts.

With all of his imperfections, he still holds the reputation of being a man after God's own heart. You may ask how was a murderer, and an adulterer... a man after God's own heart? I would simply reply his sincere intent to please, trust and serve God no matter the circumstance.

David's love for God did not cease his battle with flesh.

I can admit that I am guilty of hiding from God when I blatantly sin. On the other hand, David was man of confidence that owned up to his faults and delighted himself in praising God through life's toughest moments.

When he was right he praised him.

When he was wrong he praised him.

He was wise enough to know there is no hiding from God.

What reason would there be to hide from a merciful and graceful God? Why hide when we have the option to repent. Why stay upset when we can find reconciliation in prayer, and worship.

If we know in the end that we will have the victory, wouldn't it be less painful to initially expose our mess to God rather than "avoiding" him.

"We cannot out-sin God's forgiveness" -Beth Moore

This is one of my favorite quotes as it simply reminds me of his love and patience. We do not need to flee from our Father because he is loving, and wants what's best for his children.

Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." (Hebrews 12:6)."

How do we walk out the purpose God has for our lives?

Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4).

God wants us to take pleasure in pleasing him.

This would entail: praising him on top of the mountain and in the valley, freely donating your surplus or your last dollar to those in need, praying for that sister you strongly dislike.

You might have to uncomfortably ask someone for forgiveness, or practice abstinence before the Lord sends your husband or wife. Facebook and Instagram may have to take the backseat to prayer.

God expects us to be obedient with a sincere and humble heart. 

The greater news is that when we genuinely serve the Lord, he rewards us with the desires of our heart. With every sacrifice, he fashions us with the gift of unrelenting grace.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

God will open doors beyond what you can tangibly see right now. When we drop our will and pick up his, we activate our faith.

Jesus did not die on the cross for us to continue living in spiritual shackles. He did this for our freedom. There is no greater delight than this.

Similar to the scenario at the beginning, when you're searching for relief, God delivers an unexpected blessing to bring you delight. God wants us to live empowered by his glory. He is ready to turn your life around today, will you say yes?

Thinking Point's

What is holding you back from yielding to God's will for your life?

How are you delighting yourself in the Lord?

Action Point's

Journal about the thinking points. Write down a prayer asking God to help you yield to your purpose, and connect with him daily.