Sometimes it is about me. Sometimes what captures me in a Bible reading isn’t the great truths about God . . . or the commands to obey . . . or the promises to claim . . . sometimes it’s about what God thinks concerning this guy sitting in this chair. And the response of my heart is akin to David’s, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17). That the Lord of all creation would have thoughts concerning me . . . that Holy, Holy, Holy God would have any consideration of this so less than holy son of Adam . . . it can be quite overwhelming. And this morning I’m reminded it goes so beyond just a thought . . . so over the top from just a fleeting consideration . . .

“For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation.” (Psalm 149:4 ESV)

God takes pleasure in His people . . . the NIV says “He delights” in those who are His own. Really? Yeah, really.

That I should be a part of “His people” would be enough, in and of itself. That this former enemy of God should be so completely forgiven and received into His flock is sufficient reason to rejoice. That this man imprisoned by sin should have been set free and welcomed into the kingdom would be cause enough to thank Him for eternity. That God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son to redeem the lost and welcome them into His family is more than a compelling reason to exalt Him. But then, on top of all that, to think that God takes pleasure in His people . . . how absolutely amazing is that!

Oh, to think of pleasing God. To think of Him delighting in me. And not because I’ve earned it . . . or deserve it . . . but because that is the gracious heart of God towards those who are clothed in garments of salvation . . . to those who are “in Christ” . . . to those who have called on Him as Savior and Lord . . . to those whom He has claimed as His own. God is jazzed by saved people. The heart of God is stirred with favor by those He has called to be a living temple for Him through His Spirit.

Despite the church’s dysfunctional nature at times, I imagine us putting a smile on the face of God as we pursue the pilgrim’s path, seeking the kingdom . . . as we give it our best shot to “walk in a manner worthy” . . . as we continue to confess our failure and cover ourselves with the all sufficient blood of Christ . . . as we keep on keepin’ on for His glory. He knows the weakness of our frame . . . He knows our struggle with the “old man” . . . He knows the desire to live for Him . . . and the Lord takes pleasure in His people.

It is the satisfaction a rescuer has in communing with those rescued . . . it is the warmth of heart a father feels for his children . . . it is the pleasure a bridegroom has as he adoringly looks upon his bride . . . it is the heart of God towards the people of God.

And it’s one of those truths which impacts the heart of the believer . . . stirs the soul of the redeemed . . . fuels the fire of the faithful servant to want to bring to the Master as much pleasure as he can.

Oh precious thought . . . that, in some measure, God would take pleasure in me. Oh, that I might seek to bring my King pleasure . . . that I might, from time to time, put a smile on His face as He “picks up” on my love for Him . . . that I might faithfully walk in a way that delights the heart of God . . . by His grace . . . through the power of His indwelling Spirit . . . and all for His glory. Amen?