Years ago, I wanted to play the acoustic guitar. But once I started lessons, learning how to strum the soulful sounds wasn’t as easy as it looked. However, during one session the music teacher was cooking paella. The aroma of seafood and spices quickly wedged between me and my guitar playing disappointment. I learned how to make a new dish that day. Years later, I still love trying to make new variations of the recipe.

Desires are tricky that way. Some promise the rhythm of something wonderful. Then they descend into disappointment. Others develop slowly in the background of our lives. Then they rush in with a passion for what’s next.

Clearly, God gave us a heart for more than pumping blood to the body. Spiritually and emotionally, this vital organ also holds our wants — whether they should be what we want or not.

But we gain a heart of wisdom when we take time to seek God. (see Psalm 90:12 and Matthew 6:33) The Bible is full of declarations tying what we desire to what He desires for our lives. Here are just a few.

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires” (Psalm 37:4).

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13).

“Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires” (Romans 6:12)

Whatever or whoever rules the heart is the source of desires for the heart. We see this principle at work when God made a promise to the nation of Israel.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezekiel 36:26).

When my stony heart’s plans fall apart, my perspective slides down the slope of my expectations. It takes my hopes right with it.

But God has more in mind for me and He has more in mind for you too. It happens as I seek to follow where He leads.

As we embrace Christ’s redemption, God’s promise forms a pivot in us too. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Following the heart can range from giving into a sudden impulse to seizing a long-awaited opportunity. But when my heart is tender and responsive to God, yielding to His “yes,” “no,” or “not yet” becomes my desire.

It heightens the hope I have in Christ. This is far more than a stony heart can muster. It comes with a stirring from above.

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” (James 3:17)

Consider what would make your day or make you feel like life was more complete. Trying something new or enhancing something familiar can easily fill us with delight.

It reminds me of the aroma of the paella from years ago. The words in James 3:17 are like God’s recipe cooking in the background. Each attribute is waiting to grab our attention. When our motives are pure, they are peaceable, gentle and considerate toward others. When our approach is Spirit led, we are merciful, fruitful and sincere. For the best time to follow our heart is when our heart delights in following God.

PRAYER: Dear God I really want ___________ . As I delight myself in You, I rejoice in Your faithfulness and love. I can trust Your infinite wisdom and unlimited power. Wherever __________ is on Your list for my life, Your grace is enough to meet my need. May my heart grow in its tenderness and responsiveness to You in all things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13).

All Scriptural references are in the New Living Translation (NLT).