DESIRES OF THE HEART

Scripture:  I Kings 3:5  "The Lord appeared to Solomon ... and said, 'What shall I give you?'"

What would be your response if God approached you as He did Solomon and said, "Ask what I shall give to you?"  Would you speak rashly and ask for the first thing that came to your mind knowing that you may possibly regret that choice in the future?  Or would you risk the chance and ask God to come back later after you had time to think it through?  Look at four men in the scriptures and notice the one desire of their heart.

King David asked that he might have personal relationship, fellowship, and communion with the Lord.  In Psalms 27:4 he said,  "One thing I have desired of the Lord, and that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."  David's sole desire was to be in the Lord's presence and to be able to worship Him.  He was determined to find this special place for he wanted the Lord to talk with Him.  He sought for this intimate communion with the Lord to the extent that God called David a man after His own heart.

Elisha desired a double portion of the anointing of God's Spirit that was upon the prophet Elijah.  In II Kings 2:9 Elijah asked Elisha, "What shall I do for you before I am taken away from you?"  And Elisha said, "Let a double portion of your spirit be upon me."  Elisha recognized that it was the anointing of God on Elijah's life that caused the wonders and miracles to happen.  He knew it would take no less than this same Spirit working in his life to empower him to do the same works of God so he asked for a double portion.  He received this wonderful blessing because he stayed focused on the prophet and did not allow himself to be distracted even by the chariot of fire.

Solomon asked for wisdom and a discerning spirit instead of riches and honor for himself.  In I Kings 3:9 he said, "Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad."  Solomon said that he felt like he was but a child, not knowing how to come in or go out.  To serve as king over the people of Israel, he needed God's wisdom and the ability to discern truth.  The people and their needs was his main concern and God granted his desire.

The Apostle Paul's desire was "that he may know Jesus" (In Philippians 3:10).  Paul did not want to know 'about' Jesus as we know 'about' someone like the president.  He wanted to know Jesus in a deeper fashion and have a personal intimate relationship with Him.  He sought for an experience with the Lord on the basis of the Lord's suffering, death, and the power of His resurrection.  Paul counted everything else as nothing compared to this desire to know Jesus in a supernatural way.

Psalms 37:4 says "Delight yourself also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart."  What is your heart's desire?  Think about the desires of these men and let them challenge your life.  Allow God to form the desires within your heart.  Desire fellowship and intimate communion with the Lord so that He may speak words in due season to you.  Search for His wisdom and discernment so that you will be able to lead God's people with an understanding heart.  Seek to abide in the beauty of God's presence so that you may come to know Him and the fullness of His power.  Ask that a double portion of His anointing rest on you so that you may serve and minister to His people.  Remember that God loves you and He wants to give you His best. +++