He Shapes Our Desires

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

— Psalm 37:4

 

When I was younger, I used to read this verse and think it meant God would give me whatever I desired—as long as I followed Him. But as I’ve walked with Jesus, I’ve learned something different and far more beautiful. The desires God gives are often the ones He plants deep in our hearts, shaping them to look like His.

 

I think back to my early years. Special needs ministry wasn’t on my radar—not because I didn’t care, but simply because I didn’t know. Then in 2001, our son Ryan was born, and with his arrival, God planted a tiny seed inside my heart. It began as a simple desire to love other parents walking a similar path, to encourage them with the truth of Jeremiah 29:11—that God has a plan, and our children have a purpose.

 

Over time, that small seed has grown into a strong, beautiful tree—this deep desire to serve, support, and walk beside families in the special needs community. It’s a desire that didn’t begin with me; it began with Him. As I delighted in the Lord, He shaped my heart to reflect His own.

 

People may look at our children and see them as “the least” in the eyes of the world, but in Jesus’ upside-down kingdom, they are precious, valued, and first. And now I see more clearly: the desire in my heart is a gift from a God who loves them—and loves me—deeply.

 

When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He doesn’t just give us what we want. He lovingly forms our wants. He transforms our hearts so that His desires become our desires. And there is no greater joy than living out a calling that began as a quiet seed planted by Him.