Psalm 145:16 & 19: “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”
What are your desires and dreams? The word desire is repeated in these two verses in Psalm 145. The first involves the creation, “every living thing,” that God fulfills each creature’s every need.
In Psalm 145:8-9 depicts God supplying – for “all that He has made:”
- Covers heavens with clouds.
- Prepares rain for the earth.
- Makes grass grow on the hills.
- Gives food to the animals – wherever there is a mouth, God fills it with food.
The second occurrence of the word “desire” is found in verse 19 – God fulfills the desire of the righteous:
- Longings
- Dreams
- Ernest requests
- Hunger and thirsting after righteousness
Proverbs 10:24 declares: “What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.”
Then in John 9:31 is a promise: “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.”
We all have wants, wishes, and expectations. But we have to examine what is the intent, what is the root of our longing desire? Is it righteousness (holy in heart, virtue, integrity, uprightness, being acceptable to God)? That is the desire that God will surely fulfill. But sometimes it takes Him emptying our lower wants first. He unloads us to fill us. He gives us Jesus Christ himself who is all sufficient for our every need.
I have dreams. I have desires. Some are immediate, and others are in the future. How about you? I have to ask myself the following in examining my desires:
- Do I desire His presence? Psalm 145:18 tells us “The LORD is near to all who call on Him.” All means all.
- Am I in need in a plea of protection from any enemy or spiritual trouble? Ps. 34:7 states: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him and delivers them.” He is our battle fighter – Jehovah Nissi. Ps. 145:19b states He is our protector -“He hears their cry and saves them.”
- Do I have a thirst for God? Psalm 42:1 declares: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” I need to pause and meditate on God’s kindness and love He has shown to me in the past and fill my dehydrated soul with His Word, which is better than drinking pink lemonade on a hot and sunny day.
- Am I seeking to receive more spiritual knowledge – to go deeper? God delivers His secrets to us as it says in Psalm 25:14 NIV: “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”
Your turn – Questions
How do your desires line up with seeking after righteousness? Is there any conflict?
Do you desire holiness and seek passionately knowing God better above anything else?
Do you view God more than merely as a Santa Claus or a Genie in a bottle? The world tells us to follow our dreams and wish upon a star. So often we have to get back to the basics in obedience to God one day at a time.
Our primary desire must first be to grow strong in our faith as we give glory to God regarding His fame of His abundant goodness. We must then integrate our faith into our aspirations and desires and keep our head in the kingdom. It isn’t always about the outcome (oh how I have to remind myself of that) but in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God is enough.
My prayer for today: God I praise you for your greatness, goodness, graciousness, compassion, and unmeasurable splendor in your mighty works. Take away any fear, unrealistic expectations, anxiety, and fill it up with your abundant peace. Give me a vision beyond myself. Help me to stand firm in my faith, love, and purpose, in good times and in bad. I wait for your execution of justice. I choose to give you praise and bless your name forever and ever. In Jesus name Amen!
Listen to Phil Wickam’s YouTube song “Thirst Lyric Video”