“But the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.”
– Psalm 147:11
What a wondrous encouragement for a year that’s been so difficult and discouraging for so many! To fear the Lord doesn’t mean to be afraid in the shallow modern sense. Among other things, to fear the Lord means to deeply honor the divine Creator and His nature, to fully respect and submit to His authority, and to hold His holiness and majesty in awe.
This verse is intentionally paralleling the first and second concept – to fear the Lord is to put our hope and trust in His steadfast, unchanging, unshakeable love and faithfulness. To truly hope in His love (i.e. to build your life on that foundation) is to fear Him. This is true because fear of the Lord is grounded in knowing who He is and He is steadfast love.
So know this on this Eve of Christmas Eve… If you love the Lord, if you find your hope and strength in Him, if you live in awe of His majesty, mercy, grace, patience, justice, goodness, holiness, righteousness, wisdom, power, and love, then God takes pleasure in you. The Creator of the Universe takes pleasure in you personally.
God doesn’t measure you by any of the world’s standards. He doesn’t take pleasure in your job title, bank balance, home value, or the sticker price of your car. He doesn’t measure you by your health, wealth, or situation. God loves and takes pleasure in your heart, if it is submitted to Him. In a year full of disappointments and frustrations, take joy in this – God delights in you as you delight in Him.
NOTE: While Pastor Brian is on sabbatical, we offer this devotional which was originally published on December 23, 2020.