Psalm 149:1-9
The first three verses of Psalm 149 describe us delighting in the Lord--singing Him a new song, dancing, making music. But then we get to verse 4 and we see that the Lord takes pleasure in us as well. How cool is that?
So what kinds of things (actions, attitudes, lifestyles) bring the Lord pleasure when He looks at us--His children? How is the Lord taking pleasure in you? Tami W.
Interesting how the context of this psalm is God taking pleasure in watching His people bring judgment to their enemies. Sort of goes against today's society's view of a God who is only love and for whom judgment is not part of the resume. God is able to take pleasure in whatever we do that serves Him. Or, whenever we reflect and exhibit His character and desire. I think He takes pleasure in all those who read His word each day and in all those who exhibit faith in His word and in Who He is. Ecclesiastes tells us that the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments. Sort of boils it down for us doesn't it? God takes pleasure when we fear Him and when we follow His direction.
When I think of the word 'delight', I think of children--the way a little child is taken aback by the way a butterfly lands on the grass, the giggles the come with a dog licking them in the face, the fascination with the changing clouds--they are so taken with creation and they take time to notice its variety and its beauty. God, as the Creator, must take supreme satisfaction in observing their reactions.
I also think about how open little children are. They are completely honest. They say what they think and don't filter their ideas. They aren't afraid to ask questions when things don't make sense. They trust us, as parents, implicitly. And they are so quick to love and quicker still to forgive. These are qualities that cause us, as parents, to delight in them.
I think it is when WE are most like children--delighting in our lives, trusting God wholly and completely, and loving Him and others without strings that God delights in us. He loves us always, but I think he delights in us when we let go of who we are and embrace the freedom to be the people He desires us to be.
I remember, as a father, how proud I felt of my children when they were kind, polite, caring, and loving of others. Of course, it did not happen all the time but when it did, it brought a special joy to my heart.
Jesus said that by your love will the world know that you are my disciples. Loving words, loving attitudes, and loving thoughts, I feel, is what gives God pleasure. That and just spending time with Him!
Humility and gratitude .
It seems that if we honor God...put Him first, seek His counsel,sing to Him...He honors us, and sticks up for us.