Psalm 37

Psalm 37

For many years I have had my own condensed version of Psalm 37:1-7; 34.
"Fret not' but "Trust"; "Delight" and "Commit"; "Rest" and "Wait" are instructions given to take our attention from things that could daily be very concerning to us if we focus on them. But by following these directives from the Lord our focus is turned away from the things that would cause concern and fretting toward the "new patterns" God wants to develop in us spiritually. Along with the instructions in theses verses, there are also many promises, but if we are just obeying the instructions as a command to get a reward, the focus of our thoughts and actions is not to bring glory to God, but on what we will get out of it. The end result could then be self-centered and discouraging, instead of God-centered and edifying to others as well as ourselves. As God develops these "new patterns" in us, we become more and more who He wants us to "be", and the stress of trying to "do" all the right things fades away.
Recently in America's Keswick's "Real Victory for Real Life", I read a devotional written by Candy Davison, "The Desires of the Heart", based on Psalm 37:4. It gave me new insight to this verse and caused me to think about the words and meaning differently. "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." I questioned, "How do I "delight in the LORD"; what are the ways I can take delight in the LORD?" There are numerous answers-Bible reading and study, memorizing scripture, prayer and praise; grasping His truth; thankfulness for His love and provision, fellowship with Him, enjoying His creation, and so on. But does this mean God is going to give me everything that I want because I have been "doing" all these things faithfully. This is where Candy's devotional gave a new understanding of the word, "give", as she shared her experience of realizing that God truly places in us -"gives" - the desires that are what He wants to bless us through. Philippians 2:13 explains, "...for it is God who works in you to will and act (work, do) according to his good purpose." God will "give" us the desires that He wants to use to bring about blessing and ministry in our lives that will then minister to and bless the lives of others.
Now let's look at Psalm 37:4 again. Where is our focus now if we see this directive as delight or enjoyment, the pleasure of the LORD and His gifts to bring fulfillment and ministry? The desires of our heart are no longer on self, but now on bringing glory to God, trusting Christ, and edifying others. Psalm 37:34a states, "Wait for the LORD and keep his way..."

"...He will give you the desires of your heart."

djm