My Delight List

Take a few seconds, and think... what are some things that you "delight in"? Off the top of my head, and without getting too spiritual, here's my list: a good book, an impactful movie, chocolate of any kind, a hearty laugh with a friend, a date with my husband, and sweet family time.

Have you ever wondered what God delights in? Here are a few verses that catch His heartbeat:

"I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things." Jeremiah 9:24

And how does the Lord exercise His pleasures on the earth? Through His Son:

"Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights." Isaiah 42:1

And what did God's perfect Son, Jesus, do when He came to earth?

He rescued me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:19

Isn't it a wonderful truth to know that God sent His Son to you and me not because He had to, but because He wanted to? And isn't it just as beautiful to understand that Jesus died for you and me, not out of duty, but out of sheer love? And then, isn't it even more astounding that the Spirit longs to live in us, not only because it's His purpose, but also because it's His pleasure? To think, He wants to be with me, the same way that I want to be with my family--and even more so.

He jealously desires the Spirit which He made to dwell in us. James 4:5

Because of His Spirit in us, we have the privilege of experiencing God's delight each new day. But sometimes I think we miss it because we don't sit still enough to receive it. For example, when my now 14 year old was a toddler, she used to throw some giant-sized fits; they were so large that I could not hold her due to the thrashing and kicking (tough times for ole mom here). My love was ever-present, but she could not be wrapped up in it. Likewise, I know I can throw some major fits--"busy fits, life's-not-fair fits, self-centered fits," and then completely miss an opportunity to receive His sweet embrace.

So today remember this truth: He delights in unchanging love (Micah 7:18). Meaning, no matter how many fits I throw, He will always be waiting to embrace me. Hopefully, like my daughter, I will continue to grow up, so I can receive what He longs to daily give.

I know this for sure, when I do experience Him fully, His divine embrace goes to the very very top of my delight list.