March 8

Waiting in Delight

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 37:1-11 | Numbers 10:1-11:23 | Mark 14:1-21 | Proverbs 10:31-32

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 37:1-11

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord and trust in him and he will do this . . . Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:4-5, 7 NIV).

Delight yourself in the Lord, trust in him, commit your way to him . . . and wait. These are the instructions given to the one who would be rewarded the “desires of his or her heart.” We would prefer to receive the “desires of our heart” right away, but often that is not the way it works.

Being still and waiting on the LORD is the soil in which delight sprouts and grows. It is the good soil which ultimately produces the “desires of one’s heart.” In the process of waiting and praying, we are transformed, and so are our desires. Selfish, foolish, worldly and sinful desires are stripped away by time spent in the presence of the LORD. Motives are tested; faith is refined. The desire that remains is in keeping with God’s best for us.

Yes, he ultimately gives us the desire of our heart, but that desire may need to be refined. That process requires waiting on the LORD and learning to trust him. It also requires surrender to his will: “Commit your way to the Lord.”

God desires intimate fellowship with you. You are his child created to find delight in Him.  Know that as you delight yourself in Him–as you wait and pray and enjoy the fellowship—he is preparing you for that which your heart truly desires. 

Don’t give up. Don’t worry about others. Just wait patiently, and find great joy and delight in your intimate walk with God. He delights in you. He will become your heart’s greatest desire and fulfill the true desires of your heart.

Heavenly Father, I wait in silence and stillness. I focus my complete attention on you in your glory and greatness. Fill my heart with delight in this moment. As I linger, purify my desires and straighten them according to your will. Then set me on the path for the day ahead, restored and rejoicing. Amen.