Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord

Verses Related to Psalm 37:4

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

This verse is often quoted, but not always fully understood. It’s not just about getting what we want. It’s about aligning our hearts with God. When we delight in Him — when He becomes our greatest joy — our desires change. They begin to reflect His will.

Let’s look at other Bible verses that support this idea. These Scriptures show how trusting, seeking, and loving God affects our desires and direction in life.

Proverbs 3:5–6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

This verse connects well with Psalm 37:4. Both show the importance of trusting God completely. When we do, He leads our steps and shapes our path, just like He shapes our desires when we delight in Him.

Matthew 6:33

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Jesus taught that when we seek God first — before anything else — our needs will be met. This reflects the idea of Psalm 37:4. When we put God first, He gives us not just things, but what truly satisfies.

John 15:7

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

Jesus tells His followers that their desires will be fulfilled when they remain close to Him. But this is not a blank check. It’s a promise that comes with deep connection. The closer we are to Christ, the more our hearts want what He wants.

Psalm 145:19

“He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.”

Those who fear (honor and respect) the Lord will see their desires fulfilled — not because they demand things, but because they walk in reverence. God loves to bless those who put Him first.

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

This verse reminds us that even our desires come from God. When we delight in Him, He plants desires in us that match His will. He gives us both the want and the power to do what pleases Him.

James 4:3

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

This verse offers a warning. Not all desires are good. If we want things for selfish reasons, we may not receive them. Psalm 37:4 is not a promise of selfish gain — it’s a call to align our hearts with God.

Galatians 5:16

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Delighting in the Lord means choosing the Spirit over the flesh. Our natural desires often fight against God’s way. But when we live by the Spirit, our hearts are changed.

Romans 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

God transforms our minds and hearts. As we grow in Him, we stop chasing what the world values and start desiring what God values. Psalm 37:4 becomes real — our hearts long for what He already wants to give.

Summary Table

Psalm 37:4 is a promise for the surrendered heart. It’s not a shortcut to personal success. It’s a guide to a life where our greatest desire is God Himself — and where He lovingly gives us everything that truly matters.

Click to Learn More about Psalm 37:4, Meaning.