Psalm 37:4
"DELIGHT IN THE LORD, AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART.”
Often, we hear this verse repeated in sermons, devotionals and encouraging Instagram quotes. The "desires of the heart," vary from person to person and can range from things large to small. It is often referred to as a deep longing for something, whether it be a promise yet fulfilled or a simple necessity for your daily bread. Whether your heart’s desire is monumental or trivial- it doesn’t go unnoticed in the eyes of the Lord.
As for me, whenever I want something, I want it now. No questions asked. That often translates in my prayer time, where I find myself decisively asking God for answers and breakthrough. I push and press in until I feel like I have nothing left to give. I find myself getting discouraged and frustrated when I don't see anything happen.
Besides, God is God. He is the God of creation. He is the God of suddenly. He spoke, and there was light. With Him, nothing is impossible. Why couldn’t He just bring the breakthrough and glory right now? He loves me and wants to grant me the desires of my heart, right?
Sound familiar?
But friends, our God isn’t a genie in a bottle. He doesn't appear to us with a flash of golden smoke. He isn't bound to grant us 3 wishes and disappear in an instant.
He isn’t transactional, He is transformational.
He is the God who existed before time. The God who laid the foundations of the earth. The One who called up the formation of the sea, the stars in the universe- the One who breathed every atom and molecule into existence. The One who led Moses and the Israelites, the One who gave David courage, the One who saved the whole world with His son, Jesus.
He is the God of love, and He is a good Father who wants to bless His children.
But, just as God is fully capable of fulfilling promises within a moment, we must remember that He is not transactional. He is always seeking to grow, mature and increase our spiritual lives. He wants us to walk with Him. Not in our own way, or in our own strength. Rather, yielding to Him daily. Choosing to hold His hand daily. He wants us all in. Fully dependent, fully trusting and fully immersed in Him. This is the most essential part of the journey to the promise because He needs to ensure that you have a heart that is willing to be led by Him- the Good Shepherd.
Bill Johnson once said,"In order to have the peace that surpasses all understanding, you have to give up your right to understand."
On the road to the promise, be prepared to face uncertainty. You may have to give up your right to understand, your right to comfortability and familiarity. It may be uncomfortable, because transformation is uncomfortable. But take courage, because no matter the circumstances you may face on this journey, He will be so close. You may be put in some stretching situations because He knows He’s the only One who can provide the comfort and healing that satisfies our souls. In the moments where I have endured the most pain, I can say for certain that His grace and love were the only comforts that were sufficient for me. Seeking comfort from others can only go so far- the comfort from His presence and love is always more than enough.
We know that where sin runs deep, His grace is more. I'm here to tell you, that where wounds cut deep, His love is more. No matter how many times you have fallen on your way to the promise due to heartbreak, hope deferred, giving up, know that He is right there to pick you back up. He will never leave you nor forsake you. And He longs to be in fellowship with you on this journey.
To the one who is on the way to the promise: abide, listen.
Yield to the uncertainty with assurance. Place your hope in the One who knows the way. Know that this journey will both stretch you and bless you. But what a friend we have in Jesus. Walk with the Good Shepherd. Let Him transform you.
He is more than able...