Breathe in this truth, long and deep: God delights in you.
“That’s impossible,” you may say. “I can be downright self-centered, lazy, and prideful. Some days I can’t seem to do anything right. How could God possibly be pleased with me?” (I am quite familiar with this train of thought myself!)
Listen carefully. “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:11).”
Fear, in this case, does not refer to terror. Fear refers to these attitudes:
- reverence
- trust
- respect
- awe
- consideration
- appreciation
The second half of that verse makes clear that God rejoices in those who turn to him with faith.
If those terms describe your heart, then the following statements are true of you:
He smiles upon you as you express appreciation for his blessings.
His eyes glisten with love as you pray for guidance and strength.
He revels in the time you spend immersed in his Word.
His heart fills with joy as you exult in creation.
He beams with pleasure when you help a stranger.
He rejoices when your heart is filled with peace and joy.
Yes, there are going to be moments when we stumble back into selfishness and pride. We’re not perfect—at least I’m not. But hallelujah! God does not leave it up to us to work through the perfecting-process alone.
Consider this good news the writer of Hebrews shared: “May the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Wow. God not only makes clear what pleases him, he works in our hearts and minds to mold us into those kind of people.
Meanwhile, I think he takes great pleasure in progress, just like human parents do.
You know how it is. Mom and Dad practically shiver with excitement when their little tyke takes his first step and speaks his first word.
But did they leave their little one to learn these skills on his own? Hardly. With loving attention they held the little guy upright so he could practice taking steps. They repeated words countless times until their toddler could form them on his own.
Now relate this situation to our Heavenly Father. Isn’t it probable he experiences the same joy as we take faltering steps toward spiritual maturity? And he’s not leaving us alone to find our own way. He’s equipping us and working in us all along the way.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Lord, for being a gracious God who actually delights in his children. Thank you for loving us in spite of our failings and for smiling upon our efforts, meager as they may be. Our hearts are filled with awe and gratitude to realize you, the ultimate, all-powerful King of the universe, not only care about each step of progress we make, you are right beside us. You are magnificent—I can never praise you enough!
(Photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.bsna.co.uk.)
From the Inside Out 
Very nice! I like this. I found it encouraging.
I’m so glad you found the post encouraging. That encourages me! Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I now know why I found so many Nancy Rueggs. I did not see the A between the Nancy and the Ruegg! One little letter makes a huge difference!! You both have been in my prayers all day. I will wait to hear the good news result. I am confident ‘All is Well’.
All went well today. We have to wait for the consult to learn the final results. Thank you very much for your prayers, Grace.
Thank you Nancy. We have been studying Hebrews and running our race of faith as we always continue to grow and mature. Hebrews 13: 20-21 is a great comfort and assurance. Appreciate your sharing.
Bless you, Janet
Agreed: There is great comfort and assurance in knowing that God is equipping us and working in us. I especially love the way Eugene Peterson expresses this truth in The Message: “May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole,…Now put you together, provide you with everything you need to please him, make us into what gives him pleasure by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah. All glory to Jesus forever and always! Oh, yes, yes, yes” (Hebrews 13:20-21). Indeed! Thank you, Janet, for your response.
To think that we don’t have to be perfect…what a blessing! And also that He delights in his children, despite our failings… And He works with us, guiding us day by day… And your above comment about Him making things whole… Sometimes I feel like a fragmented mess! Now I’ve been reminded that He makes things whole. That will be in my daily prayers to Him. Thanks, Nancy. You are a blessing to me.