I just finished Shadow of the Almighty by Elizabeth Elliot the other day. Close to the end, I read this quote. Jim wrote this about one of my favorite verses in his journal just after he and Elizabeth got married...it was finally God's timing for them. It only confirmed what the Lord had spoken to my heart a while back here.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4
"It does not say He will give you what you want. It does say He will give you the want. Delight in Christ brings desire for Christ. He gives the heart its desires - that is, He works in us the willing. (Philippians 2:13). This is why He can say in John 15:7 'Ye shall ask what ye will...if ye abide.' The branch takes its sap from the vine, the same surges the vine feels then become the surges of the branch. My will becomes His, and I can ask what I will, if I delight myself in Him. Only then can my desire be attained, when it is His desire." (Jim Elliot)
In the last few months I have found that God has given me these desires. I know they are from Him and I know they are His leading. It's been pretty neat to look back and see that He has given me the want for different things. I have done things I never would have done, I want things I'd never want on my own, and I am in a place that I never thought I'd ever be. I only pray that He changes my desires even more, so that all of my desires become His desires.
I just thought I'd share that with you guys. It blessed me and I hope it blesses you too. :)
25 comments:
This is beautiful. So SO beautiful.
It is a beautiful thing when God gives us the desires of our hearts that are fundamentally God's desires. We are the clay, He is the Potter!
I love this! That is totally how I see that verse now. I used to think that it meant that whatever I desired, God would eventually give me...as long as it wasn't something bad. I've slowly learned that is not the case at all...and it's exciting to have God's desires become my own :)
I read that book this past school year and seriously felt head over heels for Jesus even more. I LOVE anything with Elisabeth and Jim Elliott.
Hello! I just got your comment on my blog and I am SO glad that you found us! We go to Trinity International University near Chicago, IL but are originally from Ohio. I'm so excited to follow your blog! I'm already encouraged by this post!! Have a wonderful day :)
I LOVE Shadow of the Almighty & that quote is such a great reminder this morning!
so good thanks for sharing...
I absolutely love this!
Psalm 37:4 is my favorite verse, in fact, I wear a ring with it inscribed on it.
I also have been learning about the desires of God's heart for me..what he is longing for me to do. Reading this was just confirmation as to the right path! :)
Thank you so much for sharing this, Jennifer!
THAT was great. Good stuff this morning. Thank you for sharing it.
This post is so timely, Jennifer! This is my last semester at Moody, and before I clicked over to Blogger, I was typing paper about "my dreams." It's a maddening thing to have to write, especially since every idea sounds good and no idea seems possible. Thanks for these encouraging words!
This gave me chills. Great post, and very needed.
You made me smile. We really do think alike.
mustbeliberating.blogspot.com
thanks for sharing girl! you are just so inspiring! love reading your blog!
Xo
http://mrtaylorandhislady.blogspot.com
I think I need to read that book! :) Beautiful pics! xo
Elisabeth Elliot is a favorite of mine. She's been my "becoming a woman" mentor. Although I have not read this book, I desire too. Thanks for sharing.
I"m so happy to hear God giving you His desires. What a truly great place to be. And exciting too!
I have no doubt, where ever He takes you, He will take care of you. :)
Emily w/Amazing Grapes
i'll have to read this. it sounds inspiring/interesting.
i'm in a phase of life where, even though i'm trying, i'm having a lot of trouble hearing god's voice. =/ it kind of sucks.
such pretty photos and quotes.
Im looking for a new book to read. Maybe I will read that one. thanks. ;)
♥
Pearl
Thank you for this: reading it really was a blessing!
Hi there! Just checked out your blog and this was the first post I read... Isn't it amazing to see the transforming power of the Holy Spirit when we seek to walk in the Spirit? Our God is an awesome God and He truly leads us when we're obedient to follow :)
Take care!
Lady Erinleigh
Amen, amen, amen.
Kind of like what Breeann responded, I had never really interpreted the verse as it should be. For a while now I've been praying for His will to be done with a certain situation, but I have been so confused because I don't know exactly what His will is! This post is really so perfect for me right now, thank you for this.
I'm almost done with PASSION AND PURITY by Elizabeth Elliot and I absolutely love it. She is so spirit lead and speaks directly to the heart. I love it...
Blessings girl :)!
♥cheche
savedthrulove.blogspot.com
What great thoughts. I love the story of Jim and Elizabeth Elliott. It really is true that as we grow closer to Christ, our desires will more closely reflect His heart.
I like that quote - thanks for sharing it, Jennifer!
*LOVE*
It took me a long time to grasp what that verse actually meant, but once I understood it, I loved it even more!
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