Most in the church today are going through some trial or test. The social and economic climate in this country has left few untouched. There is no need to waste space here with examples. You all know what I am talking about. If you are seeking the Lord with all your heart, then you are either in the middle of a trial or not far away from one. The common cry is, “Oh God, what in the world is going on? Why me? Why now?”
I am convinced that these test and trials are the evidence of God’s call for the intimacy that we will require for the coming season. He is sovereignly allowing and orchestrating circumstances to get His children’s attentions. We would be wise to respond, for the season ahead will be difficult – even dangerous – for those that have not found a deeper intimacy in Him. I pray that the following is a welcomed encouragement for those that desire to truly know God in this season.
The 37th Psalm is one of the most faith challenging chapters in all of Scripture. I recommend you read the entire Psalm, pausing at each promise to remind yourself that God is no liar. And He is faithful to do what He promises. This exercise will increase your faith in Him.
Verse four has been particularly encouraging for me during this season in my life – a season of many tests and trials. In the NKJV, it reads:
“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
We need to understand that the desires “He shall give us” are the desires He wants for us. They are not our carnal desires (e.g., a new boat, house or red sports car). What has totally blown my mind of late is the understanding that He didn’t just drop these desires in my heart a couple of weeks ago, hoping I would figure them out. Take a look at Ephesians 2:10:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
This “beforehand” is at least before we were conceived in our mother’s womb (see Psalm 139:13-16). I believe “beforehand” is speaking of God’s knowledge of us before the heavens and earth were created. Just imagine, God planted desires in your heart millennia ago for you to discover in this particular season of your life (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Furthermore, God has not left us to our own devices to understand the desires that He has for us. He has been orchestrating events for a very long time so that we would discover what He wants to give us in this very season! Why would we consider (even for a moment) that He would not do all in His power to manifest these same desires? It is so very important that we receive the faith that He has given us. It is a faith proportional to the sum of every desire. It is the faith of Christ!!
Of course, these desires are not necessarily for us. They are primarily for His Name sake, His glory and His kingdom. Beyond that, they may be for our children’s future, our neighbor’s salvation, our spouse’s spiritual strength or for a thousand other people.
Having said that, let me tell you what gets me up in the morning (literally). Every desire is also very much about us. What can I say? It is a wonderful, amazing mystery. Now don’t miss this:
The desires that He gives us are absolutely and directly out of the desires of His own heart!!
Read that at least one more time. Read it in light of your strongest desire. He not only put it there, but He shares it with you. I ask again: Why would we consider for even a moment that He would not do all in His power to manifest these very desires?
You might be wondering if this could possibly be true. Why me? Why now? The answer can be found in the hidden meaning of the condition for the promise:
“Delight yourself also in the LORD…”
You see, the Hebrew word translated as “delight” has a special meaning in the 37th Psalm. It is not the chaphets (to take pleasure in) that is found in the other Psalms. It is anag (to be soft, delicate or dainty). It is an effeminate word in the Hebrew language.
Do you see it? It is the definition of the Bride’s heart toward the Bridegroom – soft, delicate and surrendered. It is the Bride trusting her Husband King with all Her heart, mind, soul and strength. This sharing of His desire is the way in which He woos us and melds our heart into His. Yes, it is the melding of two hearts in the most intimate love we will ever know.
And so I encourage you: Find the time to be softly surrendered before your Bridegroom. Let Him show you the desires of your heart, and His, for this season of your life. Recognize that these are the desires that were put in you before the foundations of the earth. Surrender and He will give you the desires of your heart. He will include all the faith and courage you need to take the adventure with Him. And in the process, you will find a love for Him that you could never have imagined.
Dream with Him! Dream big!! He is the Dream Giver!!!
Your servant and His beloved,
Rob