THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, July 26, 2024

Lord, I’m often perplexed. I’m faced with choices that will determine which direction I will follow in life. What do I need to do to align my plans with your plan? What are my desires? What should I desire? Do my desires align with your Word? What awaits me if my plans don’t match your plans? Your Spirit warns me to guard against the “fake desires” of my human nature. There is no telling what ungodly desires lie hidden in my carnal heart.

Evidently the psalmist must have had the same confused feelings: My wants, or what you want, God. My desires, or your desires? His remembrance of the joys and peace of times spent in your presence surely encouraged him when dark clouds hung overhead. Finding his strength in you, Lord, how could he not desire to be more like you? He reveals his formula for attaining a life of peace and purpose when he journaled his famous Psalm 37.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4).

Lord, other than giving all believers the same desire to be like you, we are given desires that suit our gifts and talents. If you gave me a desire to teach four-year-olds about you, I would do well. But that is not my desire and if I tried, I’d probably leave them scarred for life. Neither did you give me a desire to run for public office. (A big “Thank you!”) But you did give me the desire to write about you and share your message of love and grace. And that pleases you and delights me.

May our delight always be found in you, Jesus. Amen.