Delighted

One of the most effective and destructive lies the enemy tells us is that God is disappointed in us. But the truth is, God is incapable of disappointment because He is omniscient; He knows all. So how can He have any expectations of us when He already knows our past, present and future? 

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up . . . Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it . . . For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (139:1-2, 6, 13-14).

“Fearfully” here does not mean God the Father cringed when He made you, hoping you would turn out OK. Or that He made you to be afraid. It means He made you with great care and reverence. And He delights in you.

Yes, you. And me too. He sees you laughing this weekend, and He rejoices. He hears your prayers as a beautiful melody of trust. He knows all your days, your good ones and your bad ones, and He celebrates every victory and covers you in grace. When we place our hope in His steadfast love and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, all of heaven celebrates. 

So look around at the natural beauty around you and breathe in knowing that you too are God’s workmanship. But you have a higher purpose, and you cannot let Him down. Your story is His story of goodness and redemption.

Dear Jesus, sometimes the voice of the enemy is loud and it drowns out your truth. Continually remind us that condemnation does not come from you. Remind us that our hope is not found in our goodness and faithfulness, but in yours. Remind us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are humbled and profoundly in awe that you, in your omnipotence and omniscience, would take delight in us. Thank you for being here in this place. Amen.