His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
Psalms 147:10-11 (NIV)
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the LORD delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love
It is tempting to value what the world values. Nations and individuals pursue power – military, political, economic, cultural – and rejoice when their power grows. But Yahweh rejoices in something completely different; something that is available to everyone no matter how powerless they are.
Yahweh rejoices in us if we fear him, revere and respect him. He rejoices when our hope is in his love for us, that he will ultimately bless us and dwell with us forever. Therefore, we do not need to despair about our circumstances, that we do not have the resources we would like to have. Our circumstances and lack of resources may be painful, but consider the infinite treasure you have: God’s delight in you. What is more valuable than that? Do you not yearn to please God, to know that he is happy with your life? That is what he promises to us.
We do not need any success in this world to gain this priceless treasure. Yahweh only asks that we revere him, hope in him, and depend on his unfailing love. No earthly loss compares to gaining Yahweh’s delight. We can encourage ourselves each day by remembering that we pleased God that day when we made choices based on our focus on him.
What do you unconsciously think you need to do to please God? Do you have a habit of thinking that you are pleasing God with your reverence and hope in his love? Can you encourage yourself daily with the realization that you please him that day?
