Learning to Take Delight in the Lord

“Take delight in the L ord , and he will give you the desires of your

heart” (Ps. 37:4, NRSV).

Psalm 37:4 is a wonderful promise. Imagine getting what you have always

wanted. But getting the desires of our hearts hinges on having hearts that take

delight in the Lord. So, what does it mean to “take delight in the Lord”?

Read Psalm 37:1–11. The context for Psalm 37:4 is, perhaps, a little

surprising. David is writing about being surrounded by people who

are working against God and against him. When people are working

against us, the natural response is often to get angry or to set out to

justify ourselves. But David advises something different.

In the following verses, what is David’s counsel to God’s people in this

situation?

Ps. 37:1

Ps. 37:5

Ps. 37:7

Ps. 37:8

Read Psalm 37:4 again. In the context of the verses you have just made

comments on, what does it mean to “take delight in the Lord ”?

David is repeating again and again, in different ways, “Trust God.”

Trust Him to act. Don’t get upset, because God is your God, and He is

working for you—even right now. You don’t have to charge in and try to

sort things out by yourself. Your Father in heaven is in charge. Trust Him.

Trust Him completely.

It is in this context that David writes about taking delight in the Lord.

To take delight in God means that we live in a state of perfect trust.

Nothing can ruffle our peace, because God is here and at work. We can

praise Him, we can even smile, because no one can outwit our God!

When we can learn to do this, we really will receive what our hearts long

for, because we will receive what our loving Father wants to give us, at

the time that most benefits us and His kingdom.

How can you learn to “take delight in the L ord ”? Spend some

time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance as to how this may

become a reality in your life.