Does God delight is us even on days when our body fails us, when we can barely take care of ourselves? Melanie shares.
“He rescued me because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18: 19).
What image is conjured in your mind when you hear the word “delight”? I picture a small child clapping her hands in pure happiness at receiving a gift, finishing her jigsaw puzzle, or catching sight of her daddy or grandparent coming up the path.
And I also think of a parent watching that child and sharing their simple delight. Did you know that you bring delight to the Father heart of God each time you give Him His rightful place in your heart? Every time you put your trust in Him–despite your difficulties–though you may not understand His purpose in the trials you’re experiencing–you bring Him delight.
“The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their trust in His unfailing love” (Psalm 147:11).
The previous verse reminds us what God does not delight in: “[God’s] pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man” (Psalm 147: 10).
Physical strength and prowess do not impress God. Although I’m sure, like us, He enjoys the beauty of His creation when it’s displayed in sporting feats like Usain Bolt running the 100 meters. But what really makes the Lord feel tickled pink is when we revere and trust Him.
You may not be able to serve the Lord much in ways that require physical fitness and strength. That’s fine. Others can do those things. If He wanted you to do that stuff, He’d enable you.
But you can bring Him pure pleasure. Here are some more ways to delight Him:
… “the prayer of the upright pleases [delights] Him” (Proverbs 15:8).
… “He delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:22).
… “He delights in those whose ways are blameless” (Proverbs 11:20).
Isn’t it delightful that the Almighty God is so ready to be delighted by us? When we pray, speak truthfully, and seek to follow His commands in our daily walk, He is thrilled. Yes, we often let Him down, but let’s also remember that we often bring Him gladness.
Don’t let Satan deceive you into thinking that because of your physical limitations, you have nothing to contribute. You can give pleasure to the Creator of the universe. Wow!
Prayer: Loving God, Thank You that You delight in me with the thrill of pleasure that a child has on receiving a birthday present. Help me to make it my goal to delight You every day by revering and trusting You, praying, speaking truthfully, and walking in Your ways. Amen.
About the author:
Melanie Hodges has chronic migraine; lives in London, England, with her husband and 2 teenage daughters; loves walking, reading, history & writing. Her writing aims are to encourage Christians living with chronic illness/pain and also to produce wholesome, good quality fiction for children. Her first children’s novel, Sirenna’s Song, for 8–12 year old girls, is available from lulu.com http://ow.ly/Q9irP
What are You going to do to delight the Lord today?
This is the group 4Him signing “Psalm 112” and it shares the thoughts of Melanie’s devotional well. What makes us blessed? What pleases God? This song explains the specifics well, and no matter how well we know and understand this message our emotions and doubts can still get in the way. It is good to be reminded of God’s Word and that He delights in us when we follow His commands. Hugs, -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 