Righteous Desires

The desire of the righteous is only good,but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

Proverbs 11:23 (NKJV)

This proverb gives a picture of contrasts. We are shown the end result of right living and the end result of wickedness. Many lives are like a car racing out of control heading straight for a cliff. We need flashing red lights that say, “Danger ahead, slow down, turn around, and drive carefully in the right direction.”

So our quest today will be to discover how to cultivate good, godly desires and appetites that lead to good things. There is no better place to start than by asking God for a fresh love for him and a fresh desire for his Word.

How can we develop a fresh desire for God? Choose to read God’s Word every morning, not just as a Christian duty but to know him more. I love to get up before anyone else, while it is still dark. There is something exciting about this secret time alone with God. Make a place in your house that is your “holy place,” your place to meet with God. I have my One Year Bible there, my favorite devotionals, highlighters, pens, a journal, and my “to do” notebook.

Then, as you read, write little notes in the margin. Sometimes I write a date next to a promise as I ask the Lord to help me believe and trust him. Underline words that stand out, write out Scriptures. Stop and pray about the lessons you see and need to apply.

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, NKJV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

What is the result of spending the first half hour of the day with God? He rewires your thoughts with hope. Maybe you woke up still angry about something that happened yesterday at work, or worried about your kids, or anxious about the bills. The psalm reading for today is Psalm 65. As you read these words, let them give you fresh confidence to face your day: “God our Savior, . . . who stilled the roaring of the seas, . . . where morning dawns . . . you call forth songs of joy” (vv. 5, 7-8, NIV).

One Year Bible Reading

Numbers 33:40–35:34; Luke 5:12-28; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 11:23