Thursday, June 29

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2017

"His [God's] pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

   nor his delight in the legs of a man;

the LORD delights in those who fear him,

   who put their hope in his unfailing love." (Psalm 147:10,11)

This passsage reminds us to look to God and His strength rather than becoming enamored with natural strength.  While God has given us eyes to see natural things, we must trust Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, for spiritual sight through faith.  We may then see Him in the proper context and perceive the realities in the natural world through the lens of His Sovereignty and our dignified dependence on Him.

I also find it striking that God "delights in those who fear him."  Many times, when feeling defeated by sin or overcome with worry, we may think that God has grown weary of us.  Yet, even as we stumble, He "delights" in us.  What a loving Father we have!

Amid the celebrations this weekend and the restoration of the summer, may we take some moments to reflect quietly on God's delight in us and His amazing strength and provision for us.  We may have our human weaknesses, but His grace is sufficient for us.  His power is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

As He delights in us, we may also delight in Him.  Through doing so, He will give us the desires of our hearts. (Psalm 37:4)  When first coming to this passage, I thought it referred to God's being moved to give us something that we had wanted independently of Him.  Now, however, I believe that this passage explains that, through the renewing of our hearts and minds and our delighting in Him, our thoughts and desires will become molded after His pattern.  May we delight in Him this summer!

Lord God, thank You for delighting in those who fear You.  Bring us into a deeper knowledge of your glory and goodness this summer.  Help us to grow more into Your image and to trust You more.  Strengthen us through Your Holy Spirit so that we delight in You.  In Jesus's Name, amen.