Take delight in the Lord…I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 58:14
I seldom pass up a good dessert. I look forward to ending my meal with a rich dessert accompanied by a good cup of coffee. Coming from a heritage of German bakers, I grew up with a rich tradition of dessert at the end of almost every meal. I know my hubby loves a good cookie or brownie, but occasionally goes for a savory treat at the end of his meal. My daughter seldom likes chocolate, but loves gummy candies and ice cream. My son will choose anything chocolate. The twins are too young to have developed their favorites yet. To know and understand someone, you often start with what they delight in. Have I ever thought to consider what God delights in?
Jeremiah gives me a glimpse into what God says He delights in. “But let him who boasts, boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight declares the Lord.” (Jer. 9:24)
God delights in displaying his love and revealing His character in real and practical ways. Growing up, I saw this exemplified in my mother. Today, she still delights in helping people, showing her love by serving underprivileged women, taking food to people who are sick and volunteering her time at the local nursing home. Watching her taught me ways I could live out love in my life.
I want to be that same example for my children – inspiring them to delight in the Lord as He delights in loving us. Every day, I want to consider what God delights in, recognizing that my delight and nourishment comes from Him. The more I come to know Him, the more I will understand and appreciate His delights.
Delight In
Love. Justice. Righteousness. Live it.
What keeps me from delighting in the Lord and modeling what He delights in?
…For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your Fathers, when you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments…when you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Duet. 30:9-10