God Delights In You

God delights in you

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16–19)

This psalm of thanksgiving and reflection shows us how David understood God's deliverance and delight in those He loves. He reflects on a time when he was overwhelmed by enemies and adversities yet recognized that the Lord was his steadfast support and deliverer. This psalm speaks to every believer who has faced overwhelming trials and felt surrounded by adversaries.

David wrote this psalm after experiencing deliverance from King Saul, who had pursued him relentlessly, forcing David to hide in caves and wilderness places. He vividly recalls the fear and distress, saying, "The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.." (Psalm 18:4-5)

Yet, in his darkest hours, God stepped in. David describes God’s deliverance with a picture of heavenly power, saying, "He bowed the heavens also, and came down…The Lord also thundered in the heavens…He delivered me from my strong enemy" (Psalm 18:9, 13, 17).

Despite being overwhelmed, David could proclaim, "God came roaring forth to pull me out of the swirling waters. He rescued me from all my troubles!" This confidence came from this deep understanding: God delighted in him. David declares, "He delivered me, because he delighted in me" (Psalm 18:19).

Have you ever had a time when you felt like David? Take heart! God’s delight in him is a powerful truth for every one of us who have felt alone. The notion that God takes pleasure in us, that we are precious to Him, is not just a comforting thought; it is a firm foundation for understanding God’s love and deliverance in whatever we are walking through.

In the Song of Solomon, there’s a similar expression of God's delight in His people: "How fair and how pleasant art thou, O love, for delights!” (Song of Solomon 7:6). The bride responds, "I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." (7:10). This is a picture of the mutual delight and affection between Christ and His bride, the church.

Many other Psalms reinforce this idea: "The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." (Psalm 147:11) and "For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation." (Psalm 149:4). God’s delight in us is real and gives us confidence in our faith and trust that He can deliver us.

Whether we’re facing temptations, trials, or emotional and spiritual struggles victory lies in recognizing our preciousness to God. Hear from Isaiah words of comfort and reassurance; "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Isaiah 43:1–2).

This promise is not just about literal fires or floods but represents the spiritual and emotional trials we endure. Isaiah's spoke this message of mercy and assurance to a people in captivity, reminding them that despite their circumstances, they belonged to God. And for us too, God’s presence does not always mean the absence of difficulties. Instead, He promises to walk with us through them, ensuring that they do not destroy or consume us.

Here’s the really good news - God’s desire to deliver us is not based on our efforts or merits but on His love for us. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. Our efforts cannot earn God’s favor; rather, it is His love and grace that secure our deliverance.

So, even if we struggle with feelings of unworthiness, believing that God’s love is for others and not for us, remember the words of Isaiah: "Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee:,….Fear not, for I am with thee;(Isaiah 43:4–5).

God’s love and delight are not conditional on our performance but on who He is.
My prayer is that you don’t live under the misconception that God is perpetually disappointed in you for what you’ve done or your past experiences. They may carry a heavy burden of feeling unworthy or unlovable. These scriptures paint a different picture. It shows us that God’s heart is filled with love and delight for you.

Even in times of rebellion and doubt, God’s message to His people remains one of hope and love. Despite Israel’s repeated failures, God continually reminded them of their special place in His heart, saying, "then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people" (Exodus 19:5) and "the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself"(Deuteronomy 14:2).

Whatever you face in life, remember that you are precious to God. His delight in you is the key to your deliverance and the foundation of your faith. Stand firm in this truth: "He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19).



Credit: Ron Kelley 

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