December 16th - Desiring God's Will

Reading of Scripture:

"Then I said, 'Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.'" (Psalm 40:7-8)

During this advent season, we're reminded of the countless prophecies that pointed to Jesus's arrival. King David's words in this Psalm, written centuries before Christ's birth, echo with profound meaning when we consider Jesus's own declaration of submission to God's will.

Think about a time when you've been asked to do something difficult. Maybe it was taking on a challenging project at work, or having a hard conversation with a friend. There's often that moment of hesitation, that internal wrestling with whether we really want to follow through. Yet here in this Psalm, we see a beautiful picture of complete willingness – "Here I am, I have come."

These words take on even deeper meaning when we consider Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Despite knowing the suffering that lay ahead, He embodied these very words from Psalm 40. He didn't just grudgingly accept God's will; He desired it. The law wasn't just something He followed externally – it was written on His heart.

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, this passage challenges us to examine our own attitude toward God's will. Are we merely going through the motions of obedience, or do we, like Jesus, have God's law written on our hearts? Do we approach God's calling with reluctance or with the eager willingness expressed in these verses?

Further Reading:

Hebrews 10:5-10

"Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, "Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God."' First he said, 'Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them'—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, 'Here I am, I have come to do your will.' He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

Ask the Following Questions:

1. When was the last time you felt God calling you to do something difficult? How did you respond?

2. What does it mean to have God's law "within your heart" rather than just following rules? How might this change your daily choices?

3. As you prepare for Christmas, how can you cultivate a heart that, like Jesus, eagerly desires to do God's will?

Prayer:

Loving Father, during this advent season, help us to remember Your Son's perfect obedience. Thank You for Jesus's willing heart to fulfill Your plan for our salvation. Transform our hearts so that we don't just follow Your commands out of duty, but out of genuine desire. Give us the courage to say "Here I am" when You call, and help us to treasure Your word in our hearts. Guide us to live as Jesus did, with complete trust in Your perfect will. In Jesus's name, Amen.