by Pastor Bob Lawrenz
That Jesus answers prayers is a foregone conclusion to Believers. It is one of the great blessings that make us cherish our relationship with the Lord. We might sometimes doubt it, but all it takes is a review of our weekly prayer lists, and we can attest to God answering dozens of prayers over the years.
We have also heard it said from the lips of professing Believers, “God never answers my prayers.” What a sad statement! To think that our loving Father in Heaven would withhold anything good from His children should give us pause for some heart searching. But those same professors will quote to us, “He shall give thee the desires of thine heart,” from Psalm 37:4.
Wow! It sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? It sounds like we might rely on God for anything that our little ole heart desires! I did notice, however, that none of us have perfect health; none of us have our loving families surrounding us, functioning to perfection; many among us are widowed; no one here seems to have a job earning them six figures a year; and I didn’t even see any Mercedes Benzes in the church parking lot this morning.
Is God’s Word untrue? Is our precious Lord Jesus trying to put one over on us? No. It’s neither of those things. God’s Word is always true… So, then what did we miss?
“He shall give thee the desires of thine heart” is preceded by the first half of the verse: “Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” When we delight in the Lord, then will we find ourselves wanting more of Him. Jesus has left His Holy Spirit to dwell with us: “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, the He may abide with you forever.” John 14:16. Make Jesus your delight, and your heart’s desires shall be granted.
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? ” Luke 11:13
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” Luke 12:34
