What does it mean to covet? Most of us associate this word with the tenth commandment, and hence it has mainly negative connotations. But by definition to covet is to delight in or desire something. Some of our desires are from God, though some are not, and may also lead us away from God. Ideally, our emotions and feelings should prompt us to turn to God, and to seek Him, rather than to seek for the things which we think will make us happy, but in the end don't bring lasting happiness. When we are filling discontent, the more we focus on what is causing us unhappiness, more more unhappy we become. When we look to the word of God, we can be encouraged and strengthened. The Word of God is like our daily bread, by exposing ourselves to His message for us, and daily abiding in His presence, He is able to transform those desires and give us the innermost desires of our hearts. When we begin to surrender, when we begin to pray, our desires don't disappear. Instead they are transformed. Instead of wanting a new house or a new job, we change our outlook to focusing on how we can be a light for God in the world and how we can be a blessing to other people.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Psalm 37:4-7
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