TITLE: 50 DAYS OF PRAYERS AND EXERCISES FOR THE NEW YEAR.

THEME: Preparing Mentally and Spiritually for a Blessed Year-End and A Fruitful   New Year

DAY 19 – 20 (THURSDAY 30^TH AND FRIDAY 1^ST DECEMBER 2023)

TOPIC: DELIGHT IN THE LORD

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE-DOKPESI

SCRIPTURE:

 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

DELIGHT IN THE LORD

To delight in the Lord means finding joy, satisfaction, and contentment in our relationship with Him. It involves seeking His presence, aligning our desires with His will, and surrendering our selfish ambitions. Delighting in the Lord requires a deep commitment to knowing Him intimately and growing in faith.

However, there are several behavioral traits that may indicate a lack of delight in the Lord. These can include:

Neglect of Spiritual Practices: When individuals neglect spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and reading religious texts, it may indicate a lack of delight in the Lord. These practices are essential for nurturing a deep connection with one’s faith and spirituality.

Prioritizing Material Possessions: Placing excessive emphasis on material possessions and wealth rather than spiritual growth can be a sign that an individual does not delight in the Lord.

Lack of Compassion and Empathy: Failing to show compassion and empathy towards others, especially those in need, can be indicative of a lack of delight in the Lord.

Engaging in Immoral or Unethical Behavior: Engaging in immoral or unethical behavior that contradicts the teachings of one’s faith can demonstrate a lack of delight in the Lord. This can include actions such as dishonesty, infidelity, or cruelty towards others.

Absence of Gratitude and Thankfulness: A failure to express gratitude and thankfulness for blessings and opportunities may suggest a lack of delight in the Lord.

Consequences of Such Behavioral Traits can have profound impacts on an individual’s spiritual well-being and their relationships with others. Some potential consequences include:

Spiritual Emptiness: Neglecting spiritual practices and prioritizing material possessions can lead to a sense of spiritual emptiness and dissatisfaction. Without a deep connection to one’s faith, individuals may struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Estrangement from Community: Engaging in immoral or unethical behavior can lead to estrangement from religious communities or social circles that prioritize ethical living.

Inner Turmoil and Guilt: Individuals who engage in behaviors contrary to their religious beliefs may experience inner turmoil and guilt. This internal conflict can lead to emotional distress and a sense of moral dissonance.

Strained Relationships: A lack of compassion, empathy, and gratitude can strain relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues. Without these essential qualities, individuals may struggle to form meaningful connections with others.

Loss of Spiritual Fulfillment: Ultimately, the consequences of these behavioral traits can result in a loss of spiritual fulfillment and a diminished sense of inner peace and contentment.

The word of today encourages us to “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Therefore, as we embark on a new year, let us prioritize delighting in the Lord above all else. Let our hearts be filled with gratitude for His faithfulness, and may we find joy in spending time with Him through worship, prayer, and studying His Word.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE:

Spend time each day delighting in the Lord’s presence through worship, prayer, and studying His Word. Seek to know Him more intimately and align your desires with His. Surrender any selfish desires or idols that may hinder your relationship with Him.

 PRAYERS:

Father in the name of Jesus Christ, as we step into this new year, help us to delight in You wholeheartedly. Grant us the grace to seek Your presence above all else and align our desires with Your perfect will. May our hearts be filled with joy as we grow closer to You each day. Amen.

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:6-7.