Psalms 36-39 | How Do You Determine Your Heart’s Desire?

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Today marks day seven of our journey through the Book of Psalms, as we focus on our daily devotional on Psalms 36-39. These four psalms provide rich reflections on God’s lovingkindness, our trust in Him, and the effects of sin. Psalm 37:5-6, in particular, holds a beautiful promise: God will give you the desire of your heart if you commit your way to Him and trust in His faithfulness. But do you know what the true desire of your heart is? As we dive into these psalms, take time to reflect on this question and trust God to fulfill His promise in your life. To learn how to magnify the Lord, please see the daily devotional on Psalms 33-35.

Psalms 36-39 Commentary by Allen J. Huth

Today is day seven in our journey through the Book of Psalms. Today, we will look at Psalms 36-39, four psalms. In Psalm 37:5-6, God promises to give you the desire of your heart. Do you know what the desire of your heart is? Do you trust God to give it to you? Please read or listen to Psalms 36-39.

What Do We Learn from Psalm 36?

In my journal in 2007 (NASB), I wrote about these psalms, “Lovingkindness, referring to 36:5 and 7.”  I quoted 36:9, “In your light we see light.” Then referred to 37:4, “God gives us the desire of our heart.” Then the next verse, Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” And then, “God takes care of the righteous.” And I quoted several verses out of chapter 37.

I went on to chapters 39 and 40, “Sin ravages the soul and the body.” I quoted 38:3-4 and 17-18:

There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones because of my sin.
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
    like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me
(vv. 3-4).

For I am ready to fall,
    And my sorrow is continually before me.

I confess my iniquity;
    I am full of anxiety because of my sin
(vv. 17-18).

What Is the Main Point of Psalm 39?

Next, I quoted 39:1 about the tongue, “I said, ‘I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue’”. And finally, “Life is so short, live for Jesus”, after looking at 39:4-5, “O Lord, make me know my end And what is the extent of my days; Let me know how transient I am. Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath!”

As we close out these four psalms, Let’s focus on one of my favorite passages in all of scripture, Psalm 37:3-6:

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

What Psalm Is for Trust?

The particular part I love about this passage is, “Trust in the Lord, and do good . . . Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (37:3-4).That is an amazing promise. Think about what it says. If you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you the desire of your heart. The question is, what is the desire of your heart?

What Do You Really Want from Your Life?

Most people never take the time to think about what they really want out of life. That is why they do not achieve what they want, and they do not have success or happiness in life. They never tune in with what God created them for. But here it says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act” (37:4-5).

How Do You Know What Your Heart Truly Desires?

The application from our reading today is to figure out what the desire of your heart is. If you could have anything you wanted in life; If you could do anything you wanted in life in the Lord, what would it be? Can you define it? If so, can you commit your way to the Lord and trust He will act? I found it in my own life. He has given me the desire of my heart. It may take time and effort to define it, but He can do the same for you! Let’s pray.

Prayer

Father, I pray that You would help me discover the desire of my heart. What do I sojourn on this earth for? Because You tell me that You will give it to me. If I commit my way to You and I trust in You, You will act. You will give me the desire of my heart. Lord, I trust You for this. Help me discover the desire of my heart and then believe and trust in You that You will indeed do it. And when You do, I will give You the praise and the glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We invite you to watch the “Great News” video on this page and find out more about God’s love for you and how you can receive forgiveness and eternal life – today!

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The Prayer of Salvation

Jesus, I don't know You, and I don't know what Your plan is for me. But thank you for coming to die in my place. I'm sorry for anything I've ever done wrong in my life. I don't understand how You could ever forgive me, but if You really would, I would like to accept your free gift of grace and complete forgiveness. Please come into my life and take control, and help me trust You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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