Delight
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son”
This weekend, I had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of a beautiful baby girl. Watching little ones come into the church is always a surreal moment for me, and my friendship with this particular family made it all the more special.
As I sat holding babies and playing funny games with the kids during the small after party, the Father’s love grew more and more apparent. In my best moments, I am in awe of God’s sacrifice to me. And in my selfish moments, I catch myself brushing off His sacrifice - as if I don’t need God’s radical love for me.
God delights in us.
I find it so difficult to comprehend and accept the magnitude of God’s sacrifice - so often I wonder why He would do it. But as I look back at the little ones this weekend, I begin to understand. I imagine the Father delighting in His son the way that we delight in babies, and it’s from God’s delight in us that Jesus’ sacrifice flowed.
Sisters, this level of delight is hard for me - to be so loved that sacrifice is required. I often feel like I’ve grown out of being delighting in - as if my age and maturity and sin have disqualified me from delight. But the way I look at Littles is the way God looks at me. And because of the sacrifice that Jesus made, I am free to receive that love and allow it to change me. The true question is - will I allow myself to receive the delight He offers?
Father,
Thank You. Thank You for delighting in us. Thank You for loving us today the same way that You did yesterday and the same way tomorrow. Thank You for offering us truly unconditional love.
Teach us how to receive Your love. Give us the courage to look at You, to meet Your gaze, and to be delighted in.
God, we love You. Teach us how to accept Your love. Amen.