Almost every Christian who knows anything about the Bible knows Psalm 37:4, which says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." But the verse from James quoted above is a lot less familiar. The Bible contains countless verses which promise God's people the desires of their hearts, or which encourage us to "ask". If you ever entertain the idea that our God doesn't care about your heart's desires, just pick up any little book of God's promises and look up "joy" or "prayer". I guarantee it will change your mind. One of my favorites is in John 16:24, where Jesus says, "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)

I often hear people say things like, "I wish I had a different job," or "I wish I had a new car". Or even, "I wish I were doing better in school," or "I wish my spouse would be more considerate." Many times, I'm tempted to ask, "Did you pray about it??? Did you know that we serve a God Who wants to meet all your needs and even give you the desires of your heart, if you'll only ask Him???" I'm inclined to agree with those who say that Christians should have a little less "wishbone" and a little more backbone. While it's true that we are not always wise enough to ask for what's good for us, let's not forget that we are invited to ask. I have found that I usually feel most comfortable asking God for my heart's desire, and then telling Him, "But Lord, most of all--I pray Thy will be done." That way, I know I'll get God's best. Could it be that the only reason you lack certain blessings right now is because you haven't asked God for them? Absolutely! Today, start taking God up on His generous offer by asking Him for the desires of your heart, and then prepare to be bombarded with blessings!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You love me so much that, not only do You want to meet my needs, but You want to give me my heart's desires as well. I ask that You give me a new heart today, so that the desires of my heart will never conflict with the desires of Yours. Help me to see that if the answer to my prayer will glorify You, it may not only be my privilege to ask, but my obligation. Thank You for Your promise which says that You will "satisfy my desires with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagle's!"