Psalms 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Delight {H6026} thyself also in the LORD {H3068}; and he shall give {H5414}{H8799)} thee the desires {H4862} of thine heart {H3820}.

Then you will delight yourself in ADONAI, and he will give you your heart's desire.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Delight thyself also in Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart.

Commentary

Psalms 37:4 is a beloved verse that offers profound encouragement and insight into the relationship between a believer's heart and God's provision. It invites us to shift our focus from worldly concerns to a deep, abiding joy in the Creator.

Context of Psalms 37

Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to David, offering guidance on how to live righteously in a world where the wicked often seem to prosper. It’s an acrostic psalm, emphasizing patience, trust, and commitment to the Lord rather than fretting over evildoers. The central message is that while the wicked may flourish temporarily, their end is destruction, whereas the righteous, who wait on the Lord, will inherit the land and enjoy lasting peace. Verse 4 fits seamlessly into this theme, providing a key instruction for those who seek God's blessing and desire a fulfilled life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Delight in the LORD: The core command is to find our supreme pleasure and satisfaction not in circumstances, possessions, or achievements, but in God Himself. This isn't a superficial happiness but a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing, loving, and serving Him. When God becomes the ultimate source of our delight, our perspective shifts, and our desires begin to transform.
  • Transformation of Desires: The promise that "he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" is often misunderstood as God granting every whim. However, when one truly delights in the Lord, their desires naturally begin to align with His will and purposes. As we grow closer to God, our hearts are purified, and what we genuinely long for becomes what God also desires for us. This alignment is key to receiving. It echoes the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God, after which all other things are added.
  • God's Faithful Provision: This verse is a powerful promise of God's faithfulness. When our delight is truly in Him, and our desires reflect His heart, God is pleased to grant them. This provision isn't just about material blessings but often includes spiritual fulfillment, peace, wisdom, and the realization of His divine purpose for our lives.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "delight thyself" is ‘anag (עָנַג). It conveys a sense of exquisite pleasure, luxury, and being soft or pliable. It implies a deep, intimate enjoyment and finding true satisfaction. When we *‘anag* in the LORD, it means we are finding our deepest joy and pleasure in Him, allowing our lives to be molded by His presence and will. This profound sense of delight in God is the prerequisite for the promise that follows.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 37:4 calls for a re-evaluation of where our true joy lies. Are we finding our delight in fleeting pleasures, or in the eternal, unchanging God? To "delight thyself in the LORD" means:

  • Cultivating a Relationship: Spending time in prayer, worship, and studying His Word (as seen in Psalm 1:2).
  • Trusting His Sovereignty: Resting in His plan and timing, even when circumstances are difficult, as exhorted throughout Psalm 37.
  • Aligning Your Will: Actively seeking to understand and embrace God's purposes for your life, allowing His desires to shape your own. This isn't about giving up your dreams, but about inviting God into them so they can be refined and elevated to His perfect will.

When we truly delight in the LORD, our desires become His desires, and His promises become our reality, bringing deep satisfaction and fulfillment.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 15:7 (311 votes)

    If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

  • Psalms 145:19 (245 votes)

    He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

  • Isaiah 58:14 (180 votes)

    Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • John 15:16 (177 votes)

    Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

  • 1 John 5:14 (160 votes)

    ¶ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

  • 1 John 5:15 (160 votes)

    And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

  • Psalms 21:1 (116 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!