May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4 NIV
This sounds like a good blessing. I have more than enough desires and it would be great if they all came true. What are your heart's desires? Depending on your age and life situation, these can vary greatly. But is this what is meant here?
Here I am reminded of Solomon’s life story. He had just become king after a nasty succession dispute in David's family. Solomon was faced with high expectations. Then, one night, Solomon had a dream. God said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5 NIV). God sees the situation of this young man who is setting out on his challenging task, bearing so much responsibility, and reveals Himself to him. Solomon’s response to this question is interesting. He does not desire wealth, honor or the death of his enemies, which would have been understandable in his situation. In verse7 we read: “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.“
We have here a very personal conversation between Solomon and God. He admits how inexperienced he is in a very honest and humble way. He is aware of his inadequacy. Then he makes his request, “Give me a heart that listens so that I can judge your people and tell the difference between good and evil. After all, who can judge this great people of yours?" (Verse 9 GW*). Solomon desires a listening and discerning heart. A heart that is in tune with the will of God. Only in this way can he accept and accomplish this huge task. A mighty ruler becomes small before God.
I am impressed by this interaction. How can I learn to listen with my heart? By aligning myself with God, reading His word, telling Him what is bothering me, what depresses me, what makes me happy and what I am grateful for, - in short, by cultivating a relationship with Him. Then I will be able to distinguish more and more between what helps me and what hinders me. This will also influence my relationship with my fellow human beings.
I also want to have a listening and discerning heart for my fellow human beings so that I can show them appreciation, compassion and love, just like Jesus, our example. Even to those who may not be my cup of tea, who are not on my wavelength. Only God can do this and I wish this for you and for me.
*GOD’S WORD TRANSLATION