“He rescued me
because he delighted in me”
(Psalm 18:19)
Reflection:
It is so easy to allow ourselves to think of God as a distant reality who frowns whenever He chances to catch sight of us. Yet Scripture is at pains to introduce us to a completely different picture.
Delight is a lovely word. It brings to mind a lifting of the heart, a face breaking into a smile, and eyes widening and sparkling with joy. It is the response that we can experience ourselves when we catch sight of someone whom we love. It is not dependent upon their having done something to please us but is a heart-felt expression of love and affection and joy. This is the understanding of the psalmist.
A similar image appears in the book of Zephaniah when he declares,
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing”
(Zephaniah 3:17)
God made us to love us, for us to know His love and to love Him in return. That is why the fruit of the Spirit gives love pride of place, as do the Great and New Commandments. It is also the reason for the Holy Spirit having love as a major ministry,
“because God has poured out his love into our hearts
by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us”
(Romans 5:5)
We can only love God because He first loved us, and the depth and extent of that love is revealed most fully in the suffering and death of Jesus Christ upon the Cross. This love of God is not merely a word or an intellectual exercise – it is a heart-filled and eternity long passion and delight in those who have responded to Him and entered onto His new life as His beloved children.
This includes you. He has rescued you from the darkness of sin and takes great delight in you.
Response:
Savor the wonderful truth – He delights in me!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You delight in me – even me. You love me with an everlasting love. You forgive me and build me up as your beloved child through the Holy Spirit whom You have given me. Thank You so much Father – please help me to trust in and enjoy Your love and delight. Amen.
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The Soaring Eagle 