…He rescued me because He delighted in me.
Psalm 18:19
The truth of this verse amazes me! God delights in us while we still need rescuing! – before we even know Him as our Savior, while still entrapped in sin, while we still suffer consequences of our own sin or the sin of others against us. He rescues us!
When I read this verse a few years ago, I thought, “How is it possible that a holy God, creator of the entire universe, can delight in me?” As I pondered, I thought about how much I delight in my grandson, Marshall. Of course, I delight in all six of my grandsons, but Marshall especially came to mind at that moment. It was not great intellectual accomplishments, not amazing athletic ability – he was only 2 years old! What delighted me was his love for me, his delight in coming to Nana and Papa’s house, his “thank you” for everything we give him, his trust in me as he jumped off the edge of the pool into my arms, his charming attempts at “swimming” as I held him taught him to kick his feet and reach with his arms. I loved his great joy when we sat and read together and when he was learning to play baseball in our back yard.
So I believe the Lord delights in me when He sees my heart longing to be nearer to Him, my love for spending the early morning quiet times with Him. He sees my desire to know His Word and live in the center of His will, my trust growing day by day as I take steps to follow wherever He leads, to encourage others in their faith journey.
God understands our weaknesses. If we stumble and fall into sin, it never changes the fact that God loves us. The words of Psalm 103:10-14 comfort and encourage me:
He has not dealt with us according to our sins nor rewarded us according to our guilty deeds. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as east is from the west, so far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our form; He is mindful that we are nothing but dust.
It is life-changing to realize God has always loved me, even before I knew Him. I learned there is nothing I do that makes Him love me anymore than He already does. Nothing I do makes Him love me any less. His unconditional love truly amazes me and fills me with security and gratitude.
This is my prayer: “Lord, help me to delight in you, in your constant presence, in your clear direction as you design each day for me, as you take my hand and walk with me through it. Help me to experience your pure delight in me. Help me to come to you each day in child-like love, joy in your presence, being with you and enjoying the wonders of your creation, enjoying the people you bring into my life, the simplicity and purity of devotion to you. I trust in your love and goodness, your sovereignty, absolute control over all the events of my life. Lord, as I meditate on your Word and the truth you share with me, give me a heart that wants to share my joy and delight with you over the new things you teach me.”
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Think of specific times when God rescued you. Meditate on the fact of God’s love for you, even when you sin and need to be rescued. His love is not something we can ever earn or deserve — it is a gift!
Have you discovered God’s limitless unconditional love for you? Have you experienced it, not just intellectually but in your heart?
Remember, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, He has removed your sins, as far as east is from the west! (Psalm 103: 12). Take time to thank Him for that gift of unconditional love and forgiveness. Consider writing your prayer of gratitude.
How are you experiencing God’s delight in you? What an incredible thought, that we can bring delight to Almighty God!