God promised us many years ago through the prophet Isaiah (65:18) that He was “about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.” I can’t tell you how often I’ve struggled with the notion that I could in any way possible be seen as God’s delight. One of our most common insecurities as human beings is thinking less of ourselves than we should. Are we sinful? Yes. Are we prone to failure? Sure. Are we imperfect and sad and disappointing and lazy and selfish? Of course. After all we’re only human. But does this make us any less of a delight in the eyes of our Heavenly Creator? The answer is a resounding no! Great news, eh? And yet, we constantly are conflicted over accepting this very simple premise of faith. But when acceptance finally does come, what an amazing feeling of relief washes over us. We feel mercy and grace and forgiveness and love like no other and like never before.
One of the dilemmas we face as Christians is keeping our pride and egos in check when life is coasting along with great ease and success. Our bodies are programmed to remember the suffering and the less fortunate in the world, and never more so than at times when we feel especially blessed. Christ himself was focused on the poor and the sick and the lost and the persecuted during his earthly ministry. But that doesn’t mean He doesn’t care every bit as deeply for each of God’s children regardless of their circumstances or their station in life. We want to love the Lord and our neighbor, but there's something healthy in loving oneself, too. Let’s not forget, the person who has nothing at all is often at a level of peace we can only dream of. And sometimes the person who appears to have everything is suffering greatly. This can be well-disguised and a very personal and private trait that might never be revealed to even those we consider our closest companions. But God knows us better than we know ourselves and is always near. I mean seriously . . . would you want to be far from someone you considered your delight?
Earlier this year I wrote a song titled “You Are My Delight.” It’s written as a way to celebrate the greatest gift of all: life. It’s also written as a love letter from God to us. It’s a reminder that we can never stray so far that we are out of the reach of His love. The chorus is full of joyful encouragement as He gently explains just how miraculous each of us is in His eyes, regardless of how we see ourselves.
You are my delight, you’re marvelous and wonderful
In my image you are made, you’re beautiful and powerful
My creation and my child, a masterpiece within my sight
Awe-inspiring and breathtaking, you, you are my delight
For some of us, we are extremely fortunate to have families and friends who regularly offer us loving praise and positive encouragement. For others, any semblance of encouragement is unfortunately rare or even absent in life. And yet, all our souls are constantly tugged at by the same unseen force that tells us there is something more to this life and something absolutely mind-staggering that not only created us, but that loves us and blesses us and calls us into loving communion each and every day. God’s holy word has verse after verse of promises for each of us. And, for this life, these promises begin and end with the sacrifice of God’s own son. If we have a God who would sacrifice so much for such an undeserving lot, just imagine how much of a delight we must truly be. And just imagine how truly amazing life in God’s great glory will be!
No comments:
Post a Comment