Delight Yourself In The Lord And He Will Give You The Desires Of Your Heart. Psalm 37:4 - What Does This Verse Really Mean?

Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4 - What Does this verse REALLY mean?

Psalm 37:4 is probably one of the most misquoted verses in Scripture.  "Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart."  It sounds good, doesn't it?  If we take delight in God, He will give us whatever we want?  I love the Lord.  I love studying the Bible.  I love growing in my faith, so if I delight in all these things, I can ask God for whatever my heart desires and He will give it to me?  Well, that would be nice, but that is not how this works.  What does Psalm 37:4 really mean?

Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4 

What does this verse REALLY mean?

What does Psalm 37:4 really mean?  Let's start with what it does not mean.  This beloved verse does not mean that God is going to hand us whatever we want just because we ask for it.  If that were true, we would all be healthy, wealthy, and up to our eyeballs in materialistic bliss.  We would also all be spoiled rotten and probably acting like spoiled rotten children act.  I think we all know what that looks like.  You know something else?  We would still be dissatisfied.  I know there are exceptions to the rule, but most people who have it all - health, wealth, and all the things - still want more.  If we are being honest with ourselves, no matter where we sit financially, we all want more, more of this, more of that.  

The reason we all want more is that material things can never fully satisfy the human heart or cure any human condition.  True satisfaction can only be found in Jesus Christ.  We will never be satisfied doing our own will, but the more we know the Lord, the closer we are to Him, the closer our will lines up with His.  When our will lines up with God's will, then the desires of our hearts are fully met.  

When we delight in the Lord, God's will becomes our will.  God's desires become our desires.  The things that break God's heart will also break ours.  The things that bring God joy will also bring us joy.  

You see how that works?  Now that we understand what Psalm 37:4 really means, we have to ask ourselves if we are truly delighting in the Lord.  If we are, then the desires or our hearts that are in line with God's desires are given to us freely.  If we are not delighting in the Lord, then we have work to do.  We need to search our hearts to identify the areas keeping us from growing in our faith.  We can do that by spending time in the Scriptures, reading and meditating on God's Word, praying, and listening to God as He whispers sweet conviction over areas where we need to grow.

Maybe you are reading this post and you have no idea what we are talking about because you don't know much about this Jesus we speak of.  If this is you, then I invite you to go here to learn more about who Jesus is and how you can begin a relationship with Him today.

May you live abundantly in Him,

Tina

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Psalm 37:4 - What does this verse REALLY mean?

The Importance of Family Gatherings

Today, my husband and I attended a funeral.  One of the things that stood out to me was the importance of family gatherings.  In many cases, once the family matriarch passes away, family gathering become more scarce.  That's so sad.

We are older now so I've had some time to reflect on the past.  Recently, I have thought about our grandparents and how proud they would be of their grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren on both sides of our family.

The Importance of Family Gatherings

I miss it.  All of it.  I always loved our extended family gatherings.  I can still hear all the voices, all the laughter, smell all the smells . . . all the things.  

We have attended several funerals lately.  The older we get, the more funerals we will attend.  That's how life and death works.  We are here for a little while, and then we are gone.

Those of us who know the Lord know we are not really gone.  As Billy Graham once said it, we will have only changed our address.

A little while back, I heard or read a phrase somewhere that stuck with me.

"The days are long but the years are short."

Few sentences have fallen so hard on my heart as this one, except for Bible verses, of course.  The truth in that sentence takes my breath away every time I think of it, and I think of it more and more often.

When we are young, working hard, raising families, and doing all the things young and growing families do, we get tired.  Sometimes, we get bone tired.  Can I get an amen?  When we are in the middle of all the younger days, sometimes it seems like that season of life will last forever.  We love our families, but we need a break, a time to breathe, but those breathing breaks are hard to come by.  Time measured in days seems so long.  Then, one day, here we are.  We wake up to a new day to realize just how many days and years have passed.  The kids are grown.  Maybe they are married with kids of their own or maybe they are single and thriving.  There are no more of the things that used to spend up our time, our long days.  We long for the school plays and programs, ball practices and games, piano recitals, band performances, and in our case, countless church events.  

If you are sitting where I sit today and all of those long days are in the past, then you realize, like me, just how short the years can be.  Now, we find ourselves in the beginning years of goodbyes as our older relatives slip away.

BUT, if you believe, like I do, that goodbye on this earth is only a "see you later" for those of us who know Jesus, then we can take comfort and know that the same God who created us and held us during all the long days of the past also holds our futures, our eternal futures.  

I am grateful for the Truth of the gospel.  In His saving grace, I rest not only in the comfort Jesus offers, but also in the joyful anticipation of eternal life with Him and the loved ones who have gone before us.  

Do you have this same comfort and assurance?  If not, then I hope you will take a few minutes to read this page and I pray that you will read it with a heart ready to receive the eternal life God offers us in His Son, Jesus.

In the meantime, in the space between where we sit now and the day we go home to Heaven, gather often, precious families.  I pray we will take the opportunity to love our families and love them big.  When my time on this earth is done, I hope my family will smile and laugh more than they grieve, knowing that my earthly death is not goodbye, but only a "see you later."  My challenge to them (and to you) is this:

Make sure you will be there in Heaven so that "see you later" is a firm truth to hold to and not just an "I hope so."

Everyone will spend eternity somewhere.  Where will you spend yours?

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Christian Encouragement from Around the Web

Christian Encouragement from Around the Web

Christmas is over.  Now what do we do with Jesus?  

The Christmas season has come to an end - well, at least on the calendar. It doesn't really have to end though. We can celebrate the joy of the season all year long. Lauren over at LaurenSparks.net asks the question, "Christmas is over. Now what do we do with Jesus?" Head over there now to read her beautifully written post on this subject.

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Does prayer change things?

Have you ever prayed and prayed and prayed for something only to finally give up, believing that God isn't hearing you. Maybe you believe He is hearing you, but not answering you? We might be inclined to think that if God doesn't answer our prayers in the way we think He should that He isn't listening to us. That simply is not the case. Maybe God is answering with a "not now" or maybe He's saying, "No, my child. I have something else in store for you and it's so much better than what you are asking for." Learn more about how prayer changes things in this article, Does prayer change things? by Heather Adams.

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Are you a good theologian or a bad one?  

"Theology means "the study of the nature of God," and knowing God's true nature should be every Christian's goal." - Gail Purath at Bible Love Notes.

Gail Purath, the author of the blog Bible Love Notes explains the difference between a good theologian and a bad one.  Believers should always strive to be good theologians and we'll be held accountable if we lead others astray.  Head over to Bible Love Notes now to learn more about how to be a good theologian. 

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We hope these articles from around the web will encourage you in your faith.

May you live abundantly in Him,

Tina

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Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Romans 12:2

Hey, did you know there's a profound lesson in the Bible in the book of Romans, specifically Romans 12:2? It says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

Not Conforming to This World

So, let's face it, the world we live in is full of endless distractions and temptations. It's easy to get swayed and be conformed to its ways. However, Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be.  This verse doesn't tell us to isolate ourselves from the world, but it calls for discernment in distinguishing worldly desires from what is truly Godly. It encourages us to not let worldly standards dictate how we live and who we should be.  Instead, we should live by God's standards.

Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind

Now, this transformation the Bible speaks of starts from within – from the renewing of our minds. It means to change our mindset, our perspective, our attitudes, and our values according to God's will. This transformation isn't a one-off deal, it's a constant process. It calls for daily surrendering of ourselves to God, letting Him change us from the inside out.

Proving What the Will of God Is

As we go through this transformation, we start to understand and prove what the will of God is. We begin to discern what is "good and acceptable and perfect" in His sight. This doesn't mean we become perfect, but we strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. We start to make decisions not based on our own desires but based on His will.

That Which Is Good, Acceptable, and Perfect

What does it mean by "that which is good and acceptable and perfect"? It means living a life that is in line with God's standards – a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control according to another scripture found in Galatians 5:22-23.  It's about living a life not for ourselves, but for others and for God's glory. It's about seeking God's will in everything we do and striving to fulfill it.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Understanding and living out Romans 12:2 is a journey. It may be challenging at times, but it's definitely rewarding. It's a journey that leads to a life of fulfillment and purpose – a life that is good, acceptable, and pleasing to God.  

May you live abundantly in Him,

Tina

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He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge, Psalm 91:4

Finding Refuge Under God's Wings:  Psalm 91:4

The Bible is a source of comfort, wisdom, and guidance to many. Among the many powerful verses in the Bible, Psalm 91:4 provides comforting assurance. It reads, "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge." God's protection, security, and love is both powerful and comforting. Let's take a closer look at Psalm 91:4.

The Protection of God's Feathers and His Wings

The terms 'feathers' and 'wings' in Psalm 91:4 signify God's protection. Just as a bird covers its young with its wings to protect them from harm, the verse tells us that God protects His children in the same way. This reference to feathers and wings also conveys a sense of warmth, intimacy, and the nurturing love that God has for His children.

Finding Refuge in God

God's wings, the second phrase of Psalm 91:4, represent a place of refuge and security. A refuge is a place of safety or shelter from danger or distress. By stating that under God's wings, we will find refuge, the verse assures us that God is our ultimate protector from all harm and danger. No matter what challenges or difficulties life throws our way, we can always find shelter and comfort in God's presence.

Applying Psalm 91:4 to Our Lives

Psalm 91:4 is not just a verse to be read and forgotten. It's a verse to be lived out and applied in our daily lives. Whenever we find ourselves lost, fearful, or overwhelmed, we can recall this verse and be reassured that we are not alone. God is with us, extending His protection and comfort to us. By seeking refuge under His wings, we can discover peace amidst turmoil, find strength in our weaknesses, and hope amidst despair.

Psalm 91:4 is a verse that reassures us of God's unwavering protection and love. No matter the circumstances, we can always seek refuge in God's wings. This verse prompts us to recall that we never walk alone in our struggles, and that we can always depend on God's protection and guidance. So, whether you're navigating a rough patch or seeking a reminder of His love and protection, recall Psalm 91:4. May it comfort you and guide you in your journey of faith.

Living Abundantly in Him, 

Tina

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Happy New Year 2024!

Happy New Year from Abundant Family Living

Happy New Year!  As I get older, the years seem to pass more and more quickly.  I'm reminded of something I heard a few years ago - the days are long, but the years are short.  This is such a true statement.  Our days can be so very long.  They may be filled with challenges both expected and unexpected, joy and grief, labor and rest, laughter and tears.  Some days might feel like a week or even a month, and yet the time between January 1st and December 31st always seems like a flash.  The lesson we can learn from this is the value of time.  Time is a precious gift that should never be taken for granted.  Now that I'm older, I realize that as a younger woman, I took so much time for granted.  Even though so many had warned me of how quickly it flies, I still had no idea.  Now here I am, decades later.  My babies are all grown up.  My bones and muscles are weaker, and the time I have left here on earth is shorter.  With each passing year, I realize how quickly the time ahead will soon be time gone by.  

A few days ago, I was watching and listening to my children interact with each other as adults.  Their laughter was such a blessing, like music I could listen to forever, but again, time passed more quickly than I wanted and all too soon, the moments faded into the night and another day passed into history.  

May we all learn to savor every moment as the precious gift that it is as we move into another year that will all too soon be time gone by.  

Today, I wish you all a happy and blessed 2024.  I'll leave you with a few Bible verses to begin the new year.  

Bible Verses for the New Year 2024

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles.  They will run and not get tired.  They will walk and not become weary.  Isaiah 40:31

That, in reference to your former way of life, you are to rid yourselves of the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.  Ephesians 4:22-24

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

Behold, I am going to do something new.  Now it will spring up; will you not be aware of it?  I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.  Isaiah 43:19

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courtyards with praise.  Give thanks to Him, bless His name.  Psalm 100:4

The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, for His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I wait for Him."  Lamentations 3:22-24

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  Philippians 4:6

So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.  Psalm 90:12

Bible Verse Cards for the New Year

Bible Verse Cards for the New Year

I have a Happy New Year 2024 gift for you.  Download this PDF file to your computer.   Print them out and mount them in your home or take them with you wherever you go so that you can see them often throughout the whole year.  Try to memorize them.  If anyone else is interested in these Bible verse cards, please direct them back to this post so that they can download their own.  

Happy 2024!

Tina

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