Day 17
Today's Scripture:
Psalm 37
Key Verse:
Psalm 37:4
"Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
The Point:
A Delighting Heart - Finding Joy in the Lord
A revived heart finds its greatest joy in God. When we delight in the Lord, His presence, His ways, and His promises, we experience a deep satisfaction that no earthly pleasure can match. Revival, by turning our hearts toward God and the things of God, awakens this joy.
Watch for the steps to learning to delight in God as laid out in this Psalm (emphasis on the bold face):
Psalm 37:1-2 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
(Additional reading Ps 73:11-16)
Psalm 37:3-5 "Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
(Additional reading Psalm 1:2; Prov 3:5-8, 15:16; 25:12-13; Jeremiah 17:7-8)
Psalm 37:7 "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
(Additional reading Galatians 6:7; Psalm 1:4-6)
Psalm 37:8-9 "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth."
Ps 37:34 "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."
(Additional Reading Job, 23:10-11; Isaiah 40:31; John 15:4-7)
Our hearts focus on the things that truly matter, and the rights things can fill us with hope and peace. Delighting in God aligns our desires with His will, and as we grow in that delight, He graciously shapes our hearts to long for what is good and lasting.
Joy in the Lord becomes the foundation of a thriving spiritual life.
Study Today's Scripture (Psalm 37) and answer these Reflection Questions:
- What delights currently fill my heart? Are they temporary or eternal?
- Am I ready to cultivate a deeper delight in God's presence today?
- What am I worrying about, rather that resting on God's promises about?
- Am I willing to trust in the Lord and do good while I wait on God?
- Am I willing to Commit my future to God's will.
- Am I resting in the promises of God and waiting patiently for God to work?
- Am I getting angry or am I trusting?
Prayer Time
Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:
- If your delights are in temporal things (emotions, fleeting thoughts, health, youth, even life on earth) and not eternal things, you need a change of heart! Agree with God about what you have allowed to delight you, ask Him to forgive your misplaced affections, and ask Him to renew your mind! (Romans 12:1-2)
- Waiting on God can become a burden if we don't fully trust in Him. If you are right with God, you can be assured He hears and answers all your prayers. When He answers wait and you despair, ask God to forgive your lack of faith in Him and ask God to lift the burden so you delight in His timing and plan! He does have it right, you know!
- It is easy to understand anger is the opposite of delight and it is frequently driven by circumstances. Agree with God about your anger and allowing circumstances to steal your joy in the LORD! Ask Him to forgive and restore the joy of His salvation, plan, and soon return.
Praise:
- Praise God that He is trustworthy, so you can take your worries to Him.
- Praise God that, by His grace, you will Trust Him and Commit your future to Him.
Intercessory Prayers:
- Pray for someone you know who has yet to believe on Jesus and be saved.
- Ask the Lord who needs you to pray for their safety and provision, listen, and whoever God brings to mind, pray for them.
Petitions:
- "Help me find joy in You alone, Lord. Teach me to delight in Your presence and trust Your perfect plans. Give me grace to wait and trust your timing."
Action Step:
Spend time today focusing on God's goodness, by taking time to praise Him for His goodness to you and to those you know He has blessed. Read Scripture & meditate on one of His scriptural promises and let your heart delight in Him.