Desire Part 2

Starting to delight yourself in the Lord can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s all about small, intentional steps that help you grow closer to God over time. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Make Time for God Every Day

• Start small: Set aside just 5-10 minutes each day to connect with God through prayer or reading Scripture. As this becomes a habit, gradually increase your time.
• Be consistent: The more consistently you spend time with God, the more natural and fulfilling it becomes. Choose a time and place where you won’t be distracted—whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed. I recommend starting the day with Him. That way you release the Holy Spirit into the day ahead of you to so that He is already there when you show up.
• Pray from your heart: Talk to God like you would a close friend. Share your thoughts, struggles, and joys. You don’t need perfect words—just an open and honest heart.

2. Read and Meditate on God’s Word

• Pick a starting point: If you’re unsure where to begin, start with a book like Psalms, Proverbs, or the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). These offer encouragement, wisdom, and insight into Jesus’ life and teachings.
• Use devotionals: Short daily devotionals can help guide your time in Scripture and apply it to your life. You can find these in apps, books, or online.
• Meditate: After reading, take a few moments to reflect on what God is saying through His Word. Ask yourself: How does this apply to my life? What is God teaching me through this passage?

3. Worship Regularly

• Listen to worship music: Fill your heart with songs that focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Sing along, whether in your car, during a walk, or in your quiet time.
• Give thanks daily: Cultivate a habit of gratitude by praising God for the blessings in your life, even small ones. This shifts your focus toward God’s presence and provision.

4. Invite God Into Your Everyday Life

• Acknowledge His presence: Throughout the day, remind yourself that God is with you in everything—at work, in your relationships, and even in the quiet moments. Whisper prayers of thanks or ask for guidance as you go about your daily routine.
• Find joy in the simple things: Notice how God shows up in small ways, like a beautiful sunset, a kind word, or a moment of peace. These are reminders of His love and care.

5. Trust God with Your Desires

• Pray about your dreams and plans: Bring your desires to God and ask Him to shape them according to His will. Trust that His plans are better than anything you could plan for yourself.
• Let go of control: Surrender your worries, anxieties, and plans to God. As you trust Him with your future, you’ll experience more peace and joy.

6. Join a Faith Community

• Get involved: If you’re not already connected to a church or small group, find one where you can grow with others. Being around people who are also pursuing God can give you encouragement and accountability.
• Share your journey: Talking with other believers about what God is doing in your life can strengthen your faith and help you see how God is working in your heart.

7. Take Small Steps of Obedience

• Listen and follow: When you sense God nudging you toward an action—whether it’s showing kindness to someone, stepping out in faith, or making a change in your life—follow His lead. Each small step of obedience brings you closer to Him and helps you delight in His ways.

8. Be Patient and Persistent

• Don’t rush: Growing in your relationship with God is a lifelong journey. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate changes. Keep pressing in, trusting that God is at work in your heart.
• Celebrate progress: Take note of the ways you see God moving in your life, even in small things. Celebrate the victories and keep your eyes on Him.

9. Be Mindful of What You Allow In

• Guard your eyes and ears: What you watch, listen to, and consume shapes your thoughts and emotions. Be selective about media, conversations, and environments that may influence you negatively.
• Avoid toxic influences: Whether it’s people, entertainment, or places, distance yourself from anything that causes you to compromise your values or draws you away from God.
• Manage Your Thoughts
• Take control of negative thoughts: When you recognize a thought that doesn’t align with God’s truth, take it captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Replace lies, fears, and doubts with Scripture and promises from God.
• Cultivate positive, godly thinking: Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy. By focusing your thoughts on these things, you’ll keep your heart aligned with God’s will.
• Set Healthy Boundaries
• Protect your emotional space: Know your limits and set boundaries in relationships and situations that could drain or overwhelm you. It’s okay to say “no” to people or things that compromise your peace.
• Be cautious with relationships: Be mindful of the relationships you allow into your inner circle. Surround yourself with people who encourage your faith, build you up, and challenge you to grow closer to God.
• Stay Accountable
• Have trusted people in your life: Surround yourself with friends or mentors who can help keep you accountable in your walk with God. They can give you encouragement and correction when you need it.
• Be open and honest: Share your struggles with a trusted person or group. When you are transparent, you invite others to speak truth into your life, which helps you guard your heart.
• Keep Your Heart Humble
• Stay teachable: Be open to correction from God and others. A humble heart is easier to guard because it remains soft and moldable in God’s hands.
• Avoid pride: Pride can harden your heart and lead to a lack of dependence on God. Continually surrender your plans, desires, and emotions to Him.

By taking these steps, you’ll begin to experience a deeper connection with God and start delighting in Him more each day. He will begin to shape your desires, and you’ll see how He fulfills your heart in ways you never imagined.