His Delight

I had a wonderful day yesterday. I got to spend it with a 14-month old. She doesn’t need to do or be anything other than who she is and I smile. I had hours of just watching her discover and play and follow little commands, which of course, shows her grandma how brilliant she is! It was pure delight.

There are many teachings in Scripture about the blessings we receive from children and I believe every time Jesus grinned ear-to-ear, a child had to be involved. As heartbreaking as it can be for us when one of them is harmed here, I have to believe Jesus is with them in a special way. Holding their little hearts safe in His care, giving them His presence, which is their greatest need. I can pray for them to know He is there and I can pray for healing, both physical and emotional. But I still hate it so much that they get neglected or wounded in this world.

 

There is just no way any of us make it to adulthood without some wounding. Some get more than others, because of the original sin in the Garden of Eden, this world is fallen. The perfect, or not even close to perfect, parenting has never been done. And as I watch my granddaughter play I wonder if I paid enough attention. I know I was never patient enough or protective enough, or prayed enough for them. And I have regrets, but am thankful that I have a Redeemer that has taken the mistakes I made as a parent and turned out some pretty wonderful adults who are wonderful parents themselves.

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty, he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest (quiet you) in his love, he will joy over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17, parentheses mine.

Dear reader, you are a delight to your Heavenly Father. He watches over you as you live your life and, unlike me, He is a perfect parent. He sings over you when you need soothed. He listens to the desires of your heart and only gives you what would be the absolute best for you in the long run. He knows the exact stage of development your soul is in and does not expect too much from you. His mercy and grace chase after you, just like I chased after that little one. Making sure the door to the basement steps was closed and there were no glass dishes that could be pulled out of the bottom cabinets onto little toes.

“He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” Psalm 1:19

Can you imagine it right now? A loving Father that knows all we are up against and so desperately wants to help if we would only allow Him in and stop saying “I can do it myself!” Because we can’t.
Truth is, we can’t see the future. We don’t know when we get up in the morning what will happen that will change our plans for that day. And just like that little one, we have to trust without question, the One who is taking care of us.

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6

 

One of my favorite things this little one does, is reach up with both arms when she wants picked up and held. And it’s not that she just reaches up. She flexes her little wrists and presents the palms of her hands to you. The reaching seems urgent. Her eyes will lock on yours and you just have to pick her up. It’s obvious her hands are empty and she only wants you.

I am sure you know that I love to share what the Lord is teaching me through everyday life. Being a mother and grandmother are my favorite, but you don’t have to be one to know the truths of this post. If you are reading this right now, you are or can be a child of God. You do have or can have a Heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally. (See “Statement of Faith” at gloryrenewed.com) I need to be reminded of the very things I write about because I have what Ann Voscamp calls “soul amnesia.” I know what I know until it “slips my mind.”
I imagine our Heavenly Father’s heart, when He sees our surrender. Our hearts and hands raised in prayer and praise. I am sure He can’t help but take delight. And He lift us up. When we have a need we can’t express, when we present ourselves empty, we get what we reach for. Even a 14-month old knows that.