In the early years of raising pet ducks, my husband, Joe, and I would have to purchase jumbo-sized patio umbrellas to give shade to our large plastic pond. This was an annual purchase for us because severe weather would rip apart each umbrella every year. We didn’t mind the expense as much as the fact that each new umbrella would terrify our ducks for weeks, until they got used to it. One year, I decided to start praying for the small arborvitae shrub that was adjacent to our pond. I asked the Lord to cause it to flourish and grow so that it would be large enough to give shade to our pond and our ducks all year round. And I asked Him to supernaturally speed up the process. Within the next few years, that shrub grew so wide and high that it provided more than enough shade and protection for our ducks and their pond. In fact, it eventually towered over our house! And we never did need to purchase any more umbrellas.

Recently, we were required by our township to connect to new sewers. When the excavators came to dig up our yard, they dug up our humongous arborvitae shrub. They told us that they had never seen a shrub get that big and have such huge trunks and roots. It made Joe and I realize how the Lord went to great lengths to provide for us and our pets. We no longer have ducks, and I am grateful that we were able to keep our big, beautiful tree for the 20-plus years that we needed it.

When I was growing up, I had friends and loved ones who told me that I shouldn’t bother God with “trivial” matters. As I look back, it grieves my heart that I believed them. Now that I am older, and a more mature follower of Christ, I know better, mainly because I have a working knowledge of the Word of God. I know now that the Lord doesn’t only want to generously provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19), but He longs to give us the desires of our hearts, too. The Bible says this plainly when it says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 ESV) And Psalm 145:19 (NIV) tells us that “[The Lord] fulfills the desires of those who fear Him.” Likewise, Proverbs 10:24 (NIV) says, “What the righteous desire will be granted.” Many times, when I pray about a situation, I say, “Lord, please give me the desires of my heart in this situation, but don’t stop there. Please do exceedingly abundantly above all I ask or imagine!” (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV) It is our privilege as believers to go beyond praying for our needs, and to call upon God for the desires of our hearts. What would you like to ask the Lord for today? Healing? Finances? A new job or career? A godly mate or godly friends? What are you waiting for?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for thinking that You only want to provide for my needs, instead of my wants. I ask that You renew my mind and expand my vision in ways that will inspire me to freely share my desires with You. Remind me that You said that as I abide in You, and Your words abide in me, I can “ask what [I] desire, and it will be done for [me].” (John 15:7 NKJV) Thank You that as I learn to pray for my heartfelt desires, I will experience more and more of “the blessings of God”! (Proverbs 10:24 AMP)