Have you ever tasted Turkish Delight? It is a sweet based on a gel of starch and sugar. Traditional varieties are often flavored with rosewater, mastic gum, bergamot orange, or lemon.
The word 'delight' refers to great or even extreme pleasure and satisfaction. Nowadays, we have ice cream, desserts, and even shampoos carrying the word 'delight' in their name.
Delight is also a word often mentioned in the Bible. Most people are probably familiar with the words in Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
How do we take delight in the Lord?
We mostly focus on the second half of that verse, our desires. But let's focus on God's desire here, namely, believers who delight in Him. How exactly do we take delight in the Lord? Simply put, our life satisfaction must be found in Him and not in the things, however pretty and desirable, of this world.
Taking delight in the Lord means we love to spend time with Him, listen to Him, read His Word, obey Him, and sing and make music for Him. Hanging out with Jesus, I like to call it. Blessed is the person who delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).
Mutual delight
We honor God if we delight in Him. But did you know that the Lord delights in us as well? Yes, the joy and satisfaction are mutual. Psalm 147:11 says, The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
The Lord's delight is in those who fear (revere) Him and put their hope in Him, for He is love. I like that idea. We serve a God who loves us, who delights in us. Think about that this week!
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The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
(Psalm 37:23)
➤Watch my 2-minute devotion on Psalm 147!
It boggles my mind when I think of our Heavenly Father taking delight in us, Marja. We are so undeserving, aren't we? May we always find our true delight in His presence. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Jane, the idea that the delight is mutual, He delights in me and I delight in Him, says something about the privilege of having a relationship with Him. It is wonderful, wouldn't know what to do without it.
DeleteI used to wonder if God really thought of me as a delight. I have had some experiences of late that tells me He does. Thank you for this post and the reminder that he DELIGHTS in each of us. Be Blessed.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that Cecelia. yes, yes, He does. His eye is on you and He delights in you with dancing!
Delete"That Thou should'st take delight in me,
ReplyDeleteYet be the God Thou art,
Is darkness to me intellect
But sunshine to my heart."
(From an old poetry collection)
... But sunshine to my heart. I love that, thank you David!
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