Have you ever looked for or seen lists of Bible promises? Psalm 37:4 probably appears on most of them. According to the New American Standard Bible, it’s “Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”

It’s such a great promise. Unfortunately, it’s easy to miss what the verse actually says. We make it say what we wish it said instead. Even some modern Bible translations fall into that trap.

The New Century Version, among others, misses the point badly: “Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you what you want.”

Claiming a promise God doesn’t actually make can lead to heartbreak and loss of faith.… Read the rest