Notes on Hope Devotional — Grateful, yet Grieving

DELIGH T

By Cathy Leyland

Last week, I awoke to a text announcing the safe arrival of our newest family member. My brother and his wife became grandparents for the very first time! When I read his words, “Can’t wait to hold her,” I was over the moon with delight for them. Texts and photos flew back and forth, carrying with them a sense of euphoria. By mid-afternoon, my face was sore from smiling. To be overwhelmed with delight was a wonderful and welcome emotion that released a host of happy hormones.

That may not be the emotion you’re feeling these days. Perhaps you’ve wandered through desolate places, experiencing new depths of frustration, sadness, grief, or loss. You may be desperate for some good news or simply wish you could catch a break. I get it.

But is there something to learn from delight?

In my 20s, I used to “claim” the verse, “Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). At that time, my heart’s desire was to be married, and it was all-consuming! Somewhere in my 29th year, I heard a still, small voice whisper, “You’re delighting in your desire, not Me.” Really? Was I? I was! Busted! Once I admitted the truth, I asked God to show me how to delight in Him and not in my desires. It took time for new neuro pathways to form, but when they did, there was a refreshing change in my perspective.

In sharing this recently with a friend, she asked exactly what I did to create those new neuro pathways. I had to think because it happened 35 years ago. I believe it started with loosening my grip on my desire (to be married). Desires are things we long for but don’t yet have. In and of themselves, they aren’t bad. Quite the contrary; they can be good and God-given, but they’re not supposed to be idols, and that’s what I was making mine. Gratitude was key as well—thanking God for what I DID HAVE and what He HAS DONE for me. Making a habit of focusing on those things gradually shifted my perspective.

Do you need a shift in your perspective? Is there a desire you’ve been delighting in that overshadows your desire for God? Ask the Spirit for help in realigning that desire. You can trust He knows your desires and has good gifts to give you.

Delight isn’t something we fabricate. It’s a natural response when something wonderful happens. When we give thanks for the good in our lives, the beauty and the joy, we might be surprised by what wells up within us.

Delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)