One of the psalmists proclaimed, “I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight” (Psalm 43:4). The statement raises the question, How do you delight in someone who can’t be seen or touched?
Perhaps we can discover the answer by considering how we delight in the people around us. My father offers a perfect example.
First let me tell you: Dad worked miracles with his numerous tools. He could fix or build practically anything, as well as paint and wallpaper like a pro.
We were probably among the first to have a built-in sound system. Dad wired and hooked up a speaker in every room (each with its own on-and-off switch), so anything on the radio or hi-fi could be heard anywhere in the house.
Dad also built custom-sized furniture: in the living room–a bookcase (with open shelves above and enclosed shelves below) along with Mom’s music cabinet; in the kitchen—new cupboards and a storage cabinet; in Mom’s and Dad’s bedroom—a large dresser; and for my brother John and me—desks. Each project displayed his careful attention to detail.
But Dad’s admirable qualities weren’t only on display in his home improvement projects. He demonstrated patience while teaching us how to play Muggins (an old card game), how to use his tools, and how to plant seeds.
He exemplified selflessness by taking us sledding and kite-flying in the park, swimming at the community pool, and biking around town. Dad proved his generosity by volunteering time and effort to help neighbors and fulfill various needs at church.
When Dad said, “Who wants to pick up some lumber with me?” or “Who wants to go to the hardware store?” John and I were ready to drop whatever we were doing.
It’s not that these were exciting activities in themselves, it was Dad who made them a special delight–conversing with us as we rode to and from, pointing out items of interest along the way, and holding our small hands in his big ones as we crossed streets.
Now all this activity and industriousness took place decades ago of course, yet I still take pleasure in remembering his noteworthy undertakings and attributes. In fact, appreciation and admiration for him have only increased over time. I consider myself privileged to have known Dad and spent time with him.
To know our Heavenly Father we turn to the Bible, of course. There we learn about his wonderful deeds and miracles. We see God’s glorious character traits on display, including his astounding abilities, his goodness, generosity, and love. We soon find ourselves delighting in all that he is.
We also delight in God as we spend time with him–celebrating what he’s done in our past and praising him for what he’s accomplishing today. We learn important life lessons from him. And we consider the benefits bestowed by our Heavenly Father, his eternal commitment to us, unfailing love for us, and strength-infusing presence with us.
We find ourselves happily praising God:
Then we turn all these contemplations into gratitude.
The daily practice of the discipline of gratitude
is the way to daily practice the delight of God.
–Ann Voskamp*
And what will be the result of such a practice? Pleasurable wonder, resilient faith, and serene contentment—as a start. Doesn’t that sound glorious? Especially during these turbulent times.
In addition, we’ll bring delight to him also (Psalm 147:11). Imagine that!
Perhaps we’d do well to turn Psalm 43:4 into a New Year’s resolution for 2022:
[Daily] I will go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my [deep] delight.
____________________
*One Thousand Gifts, 82.
Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.pixnio.com; Henry Mensinger (my grandfather); http://www.heartlight.org (2); http://www.pixabay.com.
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, thank you for sharing glimpses of your father with us. I wrote the word “delight” in my journal today, along with further reflections, so meeting it again here delights me! I love it when God underlines a whispered word to the spirit.
Happy New Year, my friend! And may it brim with the delights of God’s presence!
Now my delight is expanded knowing that this post brought YOU delight, Laurie! Happy New Year to you also!
Thank you for the encouragement indeed we glory in the Lord when we spend time with Him
So glad you found encouragement here, Brenda. I know you are one who finds great joy in spending time glorifying the Lord!
Wow, Nancy. You captured my attention with a story about your dad and compared that to knowing the greatest Father of them all! The Psalm you mentioned makes a great resolution. Thank you for sharing such comforting and encouraging words. Blessings !
I’m delighted you found comfort and encouragement here, David. Praise God!
And Happy New Year to you and your family!
I’m so glad you had a dad like that growing up, Nancy. That’s such a blessing. Above all, I’m so grateful we have a Father who so graciously bestows “eternal commitment to us, unfailing love for us, and strength-infusing presence with us.” Thank you for this encouragement! Love and blessings of “joy and deep delight” in Him in 2022!
I’m so glad this post was an encouragement to you, Trudy. Thank you for your blessing of joy and deep delight in our Heavenly Father in 2022. It’s a sure thing, isn’t it, as lavishes upon us all that he is in order that we have all that we need. Hallelujah!
beautiful tribute to you dad. You are blessed! and love the phrase – deep delight, What truth!
Thank you, Jean. I was VERY blessed through the parents God gave me. As for your phrase, deep delight, I suppose a whole book could be written about all the delights of God we’re privileged to enjoy. (Perhaps one already has been written!)
I really enjoyed learning about your relationship with your Dad. And this is the second devotional I have read in the past day that emphasizes giving gratitude to God. It is both pleasing to our heavenly Father and a great way to redirect my focus from myself to Him and all that He has done and is still doing for me!
Dad was one-in-a-million! (I’m just a teeny bit prejudiced.) As for your second point, I’m still learning to weave gratitude to God throughout my days, but I can see improvement. It IS life-changing, isn’t it!
I embrace the resolve/resolution of Psalm 43 alongside you, Nancy (and “daily” is a most important word in this instance, isn’t it?) Thank you for sharing moments and photos from your time with your father. Love the throwbacks to more innocent days. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Dave. I’m looking forward to delighting in God more and more as 2022 unfolds. So glad you enjoyed getting acquainted with my dad. My brother and I were highly blessed!
I loved hearing about your wonderful father growing up – what a blessing. I didn’t have that growing up, but am thankful that the Bible tells us that He is a father to the fatherless. Thank you for the reminder of “his eternal commitment to us, unfailing love for us, and strength-infusing presence with us.” Grateful to be a daughter of the Most High. Blessings to you in 2022!
Thank you, Mary. To be honest, I didn’t appreciate the fullness of my earthly father’s love until I became an adult, especially upon becoming a parent myself and realizing how hard it was! Yes, indeed, praise God He is a father to the fatherless! You demonstrate the power of His unfailing love and strength-infusing presence, Mary! P.S. Delightful to see your picture, Lovely Lady!
That’s so true, Nancy. I don’t think any of us appreciates the sacrifice that our parents made until we become a parent. Thanks for the sweet compliments.
You are most welcome–and deserving!
Your dad sounds like a lovely person to have known! I have similar memories of mine and still miss him bunches. Love the photos too!
We were incredibly blessed with our dads, weren’t we! My dad lived to be 94, so my brother and I (and everyone else who knew him) were able to enjoy him–his intelligence, his wisdom, his helpfulness, his sense-of-humor, and more–for many years