Read: Jeremiah 9:12-24
I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD. (v. 24)
When I think of the word ‘delightful’, I think of eating chocolate ice cream in a waffle-cone, splashing around in a pool on a hot day, or rustling through the woods on a sunny fall afternoon. I think of things that are fun and enjoyable and go beyond meeting my needs for survival and comfort.
Our reading today tells us of God’s judgement on Israel, his children, because they turned away from him. Like a parent with an unruly child, God knows that for his children to delight in him, they need to turn their hearts and minds to him. It is only when we acknowledge and accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord that we are unfettered from sin’s cruel bonds and we escape the judgement we deserve. God does not delight in judgement, but delights in practicing steadfast love. God certainly does not need us for his survival or even for his comfort. Yet, loving us is not something he does grudgingly or just because he has made a commitment. It gives God pleasure to love us!
Psalm 36:8 tells us that God desires to share his delight with us. It gives him joy for us to experience his steadfast love. We do this by developing our relationship with him; reading the Word, meditating on his truths, and talking and listening to him. —Donna Harold
As you pray, experience the steadfast love of the Lord by realizing he delights in you and wants you to delight in him.
About the Author
Donna M. Harold is retired from a career in accounting and consulting and lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and two cats. She serves as treasurer for her church, creates and facilitates Bible studies, and enjoys writing, mosaicking, and quilting.
