Understanding Delight in the Lord According to Psalm 37:4

Understanding Delight in the Lord

Psalm 37:4 states, “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” This verse often leads to a common misunderstanding where individuals focus solely on the promise of receiving their heart's desires, overlooking the crucial aspect of delighting in the Lord.

1. Delight in God's Character

Delighting in the Lord involves admiring His excellencies. Just as we might admire heroes in our lives, God created us to marvel at His greatness. However, the god of this world can blind us from recognizing this, leading us to idolize lesser things. Paul's reflection in 1 Corinthians 6:11, “And such were some of you,” reminds us of God's transformative power in opening our eyes to His glory. By focusing on God's attributes as revealed in Scripture, we can experience a profound sense of delight and satisfaction that no earthly achievement can match.

2. Delight in His Presence

The Hebrew term for delight suggests finding enjoyment in God. James 4:8 promises, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” This closeness with God, cultivated through prayer, meditation, and engagement with His Word, fosters an intimate relationship where delight naturally follows. Ignoring God's messages through scripture can hinder this fellowship, as illustrated by the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.

3. Delight in His Help

Delighting in God isn't about mustering up feelings of joy through personal effort. Philippians 2:13 assures us, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” This means that our desire to delight in God is itself a gift from Him, empowering us to live out our faith with joy. Asking God for help in this area is not only encouraged but necessary, as He promises to answer prayers aligned with His will.

4. Delight in His Love

The love of Christ is profound, yet it can become familiar and lose its impact. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Understanding and internalizing this love can reignite our delight in God, moving us from apathy to a vibrant faith. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:18-19 for believers to comprehend the vast dimensions of Christ's love is a call for us to experience this love anew.

5. Delight in His Mercy and Compassion

God's mercy and compassion are endless. Recognizing His forgiveness and grace towards us, even in our sinfulness, should fill us with joy. This aspect of delighting in God reflects our understanding of His nature as a loving Father who is ever compassionate and merciful.

By focusing on these elements of delighting in the Lord, believers can find true joy and satisfaction in Him, transcending earthly circumstances and leading to a life that reflects the glory of Christ.