A good indicator of a man’s character and values is what makes him laugh, cry, and angry. Another indicator would be what it is he derives his greatest pleasure from. According to Psalm 147:10-11, Jehovah “does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.” According to Psalm 149:4, “the Lord takes pleasure in His people.”
What food for thought!
- God takes pleasure in those who fear Him. It matters immensely to Him whether you reverence and obey Him. It is eternally in your best interest (Ecclesiastes 12:13), and He passionately wants what is best for you.
- God takes pleasure in those who hope in His mercy. It is matters immensely to Him whether you trust Him and His loving compassion and kindness. It will eternally bless you if you do (Ephesians 2:8-10); therefore, He passionately wants you to confidently hope in Him.
- God takes pleasure in His people. It matters immensely to Him whether you are His child and heir. It will eternally bless you if you are (1 Peter 1:3-5); therefore, through the gospel, every creature in every nation can become one of “His own special people” so that those who were once not a people can now be the people of God (1 Peter 2:9-10).
God’s keenest interest and greatest pleasure is in you doing what is in your best interest spiritually-speaking (3 John 4).
Can the same be said about you?
