Renewing my Focus for 2025: Delight in Christ--A Journey of Joy and Fulfillment

We're already 20 days into 2025, and I’ve been reflecting deeply on what truly matters in my life and calling (Ps. 39:4). This year, I’m renewing my focus on four key goals that guide my personal and spiritual journey. These goals are not just aspirations but commitments that shape how I live, serve, and grow in Christ—at least that’s my hope and prayer!

In 2016, I survived a classic widow-maker heart attack, followed by bypass surgery—a life-altering event that shattered any illusions of invincibility I once held. That experience gave me a stark reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of running my race with purpose (James 4:14). Now, at 53, with heart disease and a family history where most of the men in my family have died in their early 70s, I feel as though I’m entering the final laps of my race. This perspective gives me both urgency and clarity. Whether the Rapture occurs soon or I exit this life through death, I want to finish strong—running hard, pouring out my life for Christ, and crossing the finish line with joy. These goals, which echo what I once described as "Treasure Christ ~ Live the Word ~ Make Disciples ~ Finish Well," serve as my roadmap for living with passion and purpose in 2025 and beyond.

1. Delight in Christ – Finding my deepest joy and satisfaction in Him.
2. Embody Scripture – Living out God’s Word in every area of life.
3. Cultivate Disciples – Sharing the gospel and equipping others to grow in their faith.
4. Persevere to the End – Remaining faithful to Christ no matter the challenges.

Each of these goals is anchored in my desire to glorify God and grow in His grace. For the next several weeks, I’m focusing on what it means to truly Delight in Christ. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This verse invites us to center our joy in Him, trust His promises, and experience the transformation that comes from knowing Him deeply. I challenge you to join me in this journey.

What does it mean to delight in Christ? To delight in the Lord is to find your deepest joy and satisfaction in Him. It’s a posture of the heart that values His presence above all else. It means:

1. Knowing Who He Is: Delighting in the Lord begins with understanding His character—His love, grace, mercy, and holiness. The more we know Him, the more we find reasons to rejoice in Him (Jer. 9:23-24).
   
2. Trusting His Promises: Psalm 37 is a psalm of trust, calling us to rest in God's faithfulness and commit our ways to Him. Delighting in the Lord means surrendering our anxieties and choosing to trust His plans for our lives.
3. Pursuing Intimacy with Him: Delighting in the Lord isn’t passive. It involves active steps like prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word. As we draw near to Him, our hearts are filled with His peace and joy (Ps. 16:11).
   

Psalm 37:4 includes a profound promise: when we delight in the Lord, He gives us the desires of our hearts. At first glance, this might sound like God will grant us anything we want—but the reality is far deeper and more beautiful. When we delight in Christ, something amazing happens:

• Our Desires Align with His Will: As we focus on Him, our hearts are transformed. We begin to want what He wants—things that are good, holy, and eternal (Phil. 2:13).
  
• We Experience True Fulfillment: Instead of striving for temporary satisfaction, we find lasting joy in His presence. He becomes our greatest treasure, and everything else pales in comparison (Matt. 13:44).
  
• We Learn Contentment: Delighting in the Lord helps us see that He is enough. Even when life doesn’t go as planned, His grace and love sustain us (2 Cor. 12:9).

When our hearts align with Christ, delighting in Him becomes a natural response to His love and grace. This divine exchange transforms not only our desires but also the way we live, moving us from self-centered pursuits to a God-centered joy. However, this doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality. Delighting in the Lord involves practical steps that nurture our relationship with Him and position us to experience His transforming power in our daily lives. By making Him the focus of our hearts and minds, we begin to see His beauty and goodness in every area of life. Here’s how you can cultivate this delight and walk more closely with Christ:

1. Start Each Day with Gratitude: Reflect on God’s goodness in your life. Thank Him for who He is and what He has done. Gratitude cultivates joy (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
   
2. Spend Time in His Word: Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” The Bible reveals God’s heart and helps us delight in Him.
3. Pray with Expectation: Share your heart with God and trust Him with your needs. Prayer deepens your relationship with Him and reminds you of His faithfulness (1 John 5:14-15).
   
4. Celebrate His Creation: Take time to notice the beauty around you—sunrises, birdsong, or the kindness of a friend. All of these point back to the Creator who delights in you (Ps. 19:1).
   
5. Join a Community of Believers: Worshiping and growing alongside others can spark joy and remind you of God’s goodness (Heb. 10:24-25).
   

Delighting in Christ is not just a momentary feeling—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about reorienting our hearts to treasure Him above all else. When we do, we discover the truth of Psalm 37:4: He doesn’t just give us what we want; He becomes what we want.

Take time to reflect on where you find your joy. Are you chasing temporary pleasures, or are you rooted in the eternal delight of knowing Christ? Choose to delight in Him today, and let the desires of your heart be shaped by His perfect love and wisdom.

What are some ways you delight in Christ? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to find joy in Him this week!