Righteous Desires of Your Heart

"Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would… fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness" (2 Thess. 1:11b). The NASB says, "and fulfill every desire for goodness." Paul continues by asking God to fulfill every right and noble desire of your heart. But notice, it is the good and righteous and noble desires that God is to fulfill in your life, not the selfish, self-centered ones.

In Philippians 4:8 Paul wrote, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." And he added in verse 9, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." When you desire in your heart the things of God which are pure and right and noble, God will give you those desires. That is Paul's prayer for you.

"Fulfill" (2 Thess. 1:11b) could also be translated "complete" or "accomplish." "Good pleasure" (v. 11b) or "desire" (NASB) could be translated "purpose" or "choice." Paul asked God to fulfill or complete His purpose in them by giving them what they longed for—His goodness. Such a prayer is consistent with God's will. In answer to this prayer, God will give you what is good and what is good for you.

In Psalm 37:4 David wrote, "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." When you delight in the Lord, you desire what He desires. Then God will grant your requests. When you make God's agenda your agenda, then you will receive God's goodness because that is the desire of your heart.

Jesus said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you" (John 15:7). The key is abiding. If you abide in Christ, if you live your life by faith in Christ, if you delight yourself in Christ and desire what He desires, then you will receive the desires of your heart. May God fulfill the righteous desires of your heart. Amen.