For years I struggled with keeping my life in balance….my spiritual and physical life.. I have always loved God’s creation and when I first read this passage, I was delighted because the desires of my heart were my horses. All too often they were “first” in my life. When God actually became second I would justify that because “didn’t He want to give me the desires of my heart?” 

As the years came and went, my struggle continued. The last two years that I showed my mare, God was very much a part of all I did. I never began a day with out a time of prayer “first”. At each show, I took the time to pray before my class; not a prayer to “let me win”, but a prayer to just let me do my best and protect my horse; a plea that all that I do will ultimately glorify God. And then came the time for praise after each class. I had finally found that balance and as a result, God blessed me by allowing me, at the age of 48, to win our state’s Reining Championship. Indeed, God had given me the “desires of my heart”…but….there was a bigger lesson for me to learn.. 

From my Journal: 

I can’t believe my heart Lord…today, after all that I have learned from You, still an even greater lesson to be learned. As I watched her gallop Misty across the pasture I realized where my “true” desires were. They were not found in the arena, not in ribbons and trophies…not even in a State Championship. No, none of the “things” that I thought were the desires of my heart actually were. Lord in all Your wisdom, You have shown me today what the “real” desire of my heart has been. That being that my daughter share my love of horses….. 

For years I tried to force LeAnn to ride, but without success. She would have nothing to do with the horses other than a grooming here and there and of course, she always helped with the new foals. But to ride, nope…not interested. So when she asked if I would mind if she rode Misty today, well Lord, You were there, I couldn’t get to the barn fast enough. 

And now to see her enjoying what I enjoy, well, there is no championship that can replace the joy that I feel at this very moment. 

So now that I read this scripture again, I understand…I guess I just ignored the first phrase, “Delight yourself in the Lord”…that’s the condition, and then the result, ”and He will give you the desires of your heart”. ..

Father in Heaven, I thank you for this lesson from life; I thank You for allowing me to learn it before it was too late. May I now focus my desires to You Lord…now, may the “desires of my heart” be all that You have for me… In Jesus’ Name….Amen 

 © LBG Ministries 2001