Real Fulfillment  

By Pastor Jeff Seward

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.”—Psalm 20:4 (NKJV)

If you could pick one word to describe more of what you want in life, what word would you choose? A survey of 700 people revealed that most people want to be happy. The top 10 responses, in order of importance, were: 

1. happiness
2. money
3. freedom
4. peace
5. joy
6. balance
7. fulfillment
8. confidence
9. stability
10. passion

Sadly, most of those surveyed gave the impression they felt their desires were unattainable. 

God’s will is to bless and fulfill our heart's desire. He has placed beautiful, godly desires within us. Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

In Him, all of the requests that people desire can be fulfilled. This psalm is a prayer of David’s in which he humbly asks the Lord to do great works in both the people of Israel and in him.

Here is what is important: When our God-given desires are in line and in one accord with the Lord's plan and will- then we can pray this same prayer with confidence over every area of our lives. We can look to Him as Lord and keeper of our lives and souls.  He knows the depth of our hearts and our deepest heart-felt desires.

In 1 John 3:22 (NKJV), we read, “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” The Lord’s will is to fulfill all our purposes. He gives us a purpose in His great plan. The key to a life fulfilled and achieved with purpose, is to find our place in His great plan, instead of expecting God to be an actor in our plans. We were created to live life to the fullest and fulfill His purpose and reason for putting us on the earth.

Here are some promises we can cling to:

“No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”—Psalm 84:11 NKJV

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness.”—Psalm 107:8-9 NKJV

Every godly wish we desire He wills to give:

Peace: He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14), and He gives peace (John 14:27). First, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

Joy: In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). 

Freedom: Whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36).

Purpose: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 29:11).

Let’s follow David’s example. Walk humbly before Him, repent of sin, and stay close to the Lord.

DIG: Honestly ask yourself, “Do you believe God longs to bless and fulfill you?” Read I John 5: 14-15.

DISCOVER: Think of one God-given desire you want to ask Him to fulfill this week, this month, or this year.

DO: Read Psalm 20 several times this week. Pray this psalm and stand upon God's promises to bless you.