The Heart Exchange
By Aimee Caverly
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
“Oh, Lord, I know my desires,” as I talked with Him about all my plans, “the desires of my heart.” But as my existence progressed something seemed terribly wrong. My purpose wasn’t going the way I had planned.
Postpartum depression with psychosis defined me, and turned my world into a deluded jigsaw puzzle. It gripped me in a place of fear and denial. All the while, I was questioning God about my place and my purpose, His plans and His promises; His desire to give me the petitions of my heart.
Often, the holidays are full of false faces, wearing the joy of the season but not experiencing true joy from the Joy Giver. I too, filling up to overflowing with the festivities of the season, the fleeting favors of celebration, the gifts of fading fulfillment. Mustering up a smile in hopes more joy would spring forth, but in the midst I’d fall flat, lacking any desire at all.
But God?
But God.
But God!
He continued to pursue me amidst my pain. And deep called out to deep sending my focus off of myself and onto the Giver. “It’s not about me,” my heart exchanging the presents for His Presence. –Tweet this!
He delights in finding my place at His festive table again. Sampling the delicacies planned just for me. Savoring the moments of true hope and joy like never before. Delighting in the Lord never tasted so good, His word like a napkin on my lips. Filling me up to overflowing—my desires satisfied completely.
Sit at His table, and truly delight in Him, maybe for the first time and see yourself through His lens. Defined by His love and faithfulness, filled to overflowing with His Unchanging Word in a way that will give you the desires of your heart, despite your circumstances and joy amidst the pain.
Lord, we often get lost in our own desires and forget that Yours are more abundant and beautiful than we can imagine. Help us get past our suffering and find You longing to fulfill us to overflowing abundance in You. Satisfy the deepest well in us with thy will. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Meet Aimee
I’m Aimee, wife to my handsome high school sweetheart hubby, Mark and mom to my girl-tribe of three tween/teens. I’m a total word nerd which includes Words with friends, my best friend – Thesaurus, and the Ultimate Word – The Bible. I love all things Swedish – dala horses, decor and foodie delights. I write about finding your identity in Christ and have a heart for women struggling to find their place in God’s story. You can read more about me at Jesus Defined.
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Weekly Linkups
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Thanks for sharing your beautiful words, Aimee! I love the imagery of sitting at the table of God and feasting on the delicacies he has prepared just for us. May the Lord continue to grant you the desires of your heart, and blessings to you this holiday season!
Beautiful post, and yes, He is the joy giver. It is presence not presents and His plans are way better. I pray for women to know that those desires of our heart are only a sample of His.
Filling us up to overflowing ~ indeed. Aimee, you’re brave to share. How beautiful is your press to the One who loves dearly, the One who delivers us and truly overflows our cup. I’ve faced the same battle, and it’s unfathomably difficult. It’s downright ugly and often scary. But God…… Amen! Visiting via #heartexchange Thursday. My best to you….