We often talk about the gift of Salvation as a transformation of the heart. Jesus came to give us eternal life through faith in Him and His sacrifice on the cross. His death established a new covenant for all who would come to Him in faith; "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sin" Matthew 26:28.
When we enter into this covenant we are transformed; "I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" Ezekiel 36:26. This is the same transformation referred to by Paul: "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17. It is also referred to as the "circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit" Romans 2:29.
As we continue our walk with God - as we continue our journey with a new and transformed heart - we begin a process of being "conformed to the likeness of His Son" Romans 8:29. This transformation, which begins in our heart, continues for all the rest of our days. We may call this process growth or maturity, but the result is a heart which is becoming more and more like Jesus.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."Psalm 37:4
This verse is sometimes misinterpreted to say that God has promised to fulfill all our current desires. There are people all over the world thinking that if they "pursue" God, they will receive an increase in their financial status - a better job, a nicer car, or a bigger home. This is a sad misapplication of scripture! When we are far from God, our heart is full of worldly desires. Apart from God, we will spend a lifetime trying to fulfill these desires only to find we are never satisfied or content.
But God says we need not spend our life chasing these unfulfilling desires. As we are diligent to draw close to God, learn of His ways, and become obedient to His commands, He gives us new desires. As we love the Lord with all our heart, our current desires are replaced with something infinitely better, the desires of Christ. The single desire of Jesus was to glorify His Father by completing the work He was given to do John 17:4. Jesus was content beyond our comprehension because He was truly one with His Heavenly Father!
The wonderful blessing from God is that as we delight in Him, He transforms our desires and also gives us the ability to fulfill these desires. This is the only way we will ever find true contentment and peace. Let's learn to live each moment delighting in our Lord. Let's allow Him to continue the transformation by giving us, and then teaching us how to satisfy, the desires of our heart.
- steve troxel
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