1. Our Hearts Desires PSALMS 37:1-8

2. Psalms 37:1-81 Fret not yourself because of evildoers, neitherbe you envious against the workers of iniquity.2 For they shall soon be cut down like thegrass, and wither as the green herb.3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall youdwell in the land, and truly you shall be fed.4 Delight yourself also in the LORD: and heshall give you the desires of your heart.

3. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him; andhe shall bring it to pass.6 And he shall bring forth your righteousness as thelight, and your judgment as the noonday.7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret notyourself because of him who prospers in hisway, because of the man who brings wicked devices topass.8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourselfin any wise to do evil.

4. I. Introduction The psalmist writes,Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:4). But can we expect God to deliver whatever we want, whenever we want it? The Lord should be first in our hearts. And only when our dreams align with the Fathers plan for our lives does He fulfill them.

5. II. Our desires reveal who we are in thefollowing areas:A. Character A person with immoral desires lacks integrity. Dishonest individuals want to take advantage of others by deceiving or controlling them. Godly people long for what is righteous.B. Self-esteem Many people dont feel worthy to ask the Lord for their hearts desires. But God wants us to approach His throne with boldness and confidence Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.C. Direction Knowing our dreams gives us focus.

6. D. Purpose Desires reveal what someone hopes to accomplish.E. Thinking Our conversation brings to light the content of ourthoughts. And what we think stems from our hearts yearnings.F. Knowledge of God Our aspirations expose the state of our relationship withChrist. Walking with Jesus changes our focus and outlook.

7. III. The Father warns us againstwrong cravings We should allow God to direct what our hearts seekand make changes if necessary. Sinful passions lead to emptiness, pain, suffering, and disappointment. They can result in devastation and even death. Wrong desires can be:A. Harmful Some longings, such as an obsession to become rich, can destroy a person. 1 Tim 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

8. B. Worldly Believers are called to deny ungodliness and worldly passions Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;C. Corrupt Because of the fall, humans have impure desires. 2 Pet 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self- willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Only by submitting to the Holy Spirit can we live righteously.

9. D. Fleshly 2 Pet 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. warns us against carnal lusts.

10. IV. What principles lead to obtaining yourhearts desires?A. Delight yourselves in the LORD Ps 37:4 Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Christians should rejoice in God and desire to walk in obedience. The Lord must have first place in your life before you can claim the promise in this verse.B. Commit your way to the LORD Ps 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Allow God to change any aspect of your dream that is not His will. Remember that when He doesnt answer a prayer as you wished, its for a reason.

11. C. Trust in Him (v. 5). Ps 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass God is all-knowing, merciful, kind, and generous. You can trust Him with your hopes and dreams.D. Rest in Him (v. 7). Ps 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Resting in the Lord means trusting Him to answer prayers in His timing or transform your dreams so they conform to His will.

12. E. Wait patiently for God (v. 7). Ps 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Jesus waited three decades before beginning His three- year ministry on earth. According to His example, waiting is one of the key principles of Christian living.

13. V. What if your desires are neverfulfilled? Perhaps the Father knew that fulfillingthe request wouldnt be good for you. If theLord doesnt respond affirmatively to yourprayers, ask Him to make your desiresconform to His will. Whatever you do, donttake matters into your own hands and goafter what you want. There is always a highprice to pay for rebelling against the Lord.

14. VI. God understands honest mistakes When a believer misinterprets the Spirits guidance or receives bad advice from a friend, the Lord looks at the heart. The Father may allow the consequences of a poor choice to play out, but He wont shame His children for an honest mistake. He can turn a bad situation into something good Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

15. Conclusion Do your desires align with the Lords purpose and plan for you?He longs to give His followers abundant blessingsand fullness of joy. So allow your dreams to be conformed to the Lords will, and follow His guidance faithfully. Thats how to experience Gods best for your life.