It’s no secret that I’m a fool for my dogs. Whether we’re running or snuggling, being with them brings me so much joy. Seeing their excitement over little things is such a delight, whether it be a fallen blueberry or an announcement that we’re going on a W-A-L-K.
And you know what else? I love being the one that brings this excitement. I love being the reason their tails wag.
Have you ever wondered if God feels this way about us? This may be a stretch, but hang with me: I’m excited, pleased, and eagerly waiting to give my dogs something GOOD they’ll enjoy. And I love watching them enjoy it. But do I believe God feels the same way about me?
I have to be honest…not always. I don’t always imagine God as the loving father that He is, delighting in me (Psalm 147:11). I don’t always picture Him rejoicing over me in song (Zephaniah 3:17).
If I don’t see Him this way, that means I don’t believe He’s this way. And that, my friend, is a big problem.
I picture Him with His arms crossed. His brows narrowed. Begrudgingly giving me what I need but nothing I want.
But nothing could be further from the truth! There are so many verses that say otherwise, and here’s one of my favorites:
For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers.
– Deuteronomy 30:9 (ESV)
Did you see it? Delight. The King James Version uses the verb “rejoice” there.
Delight, rejoice. Prosper.
This is the kind of God we serve. THIS is the kind of Father we have.
I love this picture of me and my dad. I love that I have rosy cheeks from being out on a hot summer evening. I love that my smile is genuine, proof of how much fun I was having. I love being able to show people that my dad climbed up in a tree with me (regularly) as a grown man! But you know what I love most? My dad’s expression. He’s not even looking at the camera. He’s looking at me, smiling. And as a new mom, I finally get it – parents love bringing joy to their kids.
If we as imperfect humans love like this, how much more does our perfect Father in heaven?
Let that sink in.
The King of the Universe is rejoicing over you at this very moment, friend. He delights in blessing you. His plans for you are GOOD (Jeremiah 29:11). He will withhold no good thing from you (Psalm 84:11). He wants to bless you like a father wants to bless his child (Matthew 7:7-11), or as a woman wants to bless her dog 🙂
His heart towards you is so good. He loves to bless you; He loves to love you.
My prayer is that THAT will encourage you to walk in freedom today.
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