My husband, Joe, and I were walking around one of our favorite stores recently, when I spotted a lovely decorative pillow. It had an autumn theme, with a colorful little bird perched next to a pumpkin. I immediately envisioned the pillow on one of the chairs in our living room, and I sighed, knowing that my husband would talk me out of buying it. I had to admit to myself that we didn't need it. But I also had to admit that it would be a lovely addition to our home this time of year. I continued my browsing through the store, when I came upon my husband holding the pillow I had just admired! We bought it and took it home, and it gives me a lift every time I see it.

I shared with my husband how I had admired that pillow, but was sure that he wouldn't want me to buy it. We both knew that the Lord had spoken to Joe's heart about it, and we marveled at the goodness of God. When I think about this experience, I can't help thinking about Psalm 37:4 (AMP), which says: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." I have discovered that God is not only eager to give us the "desires" of our hearts, but also, the "secret petitions" of our hearts, when we devote ourselves to Him. I hadn't voiced my desire to have that pillow to anyone. I hadn't even prayed for it. But God saw my heart, and He wanted to fulfill my "secret petition" - simply because He wanted to bless me.

I believe that one reason why the Lord loves to give us the secret petitions of our hearts is that we have a tendency to talk ourselves out of His blessings. We have in mind something that we want, and we think to ourselves things like: "I really don't need it." Or, "I really don't deserve it." Or even, "That would be too good to be true." But if we would simply keep our hearts open to the goodness of God, and to how He loves to surprise and delight His devoted ones, we would see more of His blessings flowing into our lives. Are you keeping your heart open today?

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to delight myself in You every day of my life. Give me a heart that is continually open to Your goodness and mercy. Remind me that You promised that if I would seek You instead of Your blessings, then Your blessings would be added to me. (Matthew 6:33) Thank You for giving me the desires - and secret petitions - of my heart, as I give You first place in my life!