Heaven's Delight

The word "pleasure" can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the sort of pleasure we're talking about. But have you ever wondered whether God takes pleasure in anything, and if so, in what? There's a verse that, each time I read it, completely blows my mind. Here it is: Psalm 149:4 For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. (ESV) How do you unpack that? How do you make sense of the fact that the God who created the whole universe takes pleasure in His people – fallible human beings like you and me who've made so many mistakes in our lives; who've dishonoured Him, turned our backs on Him … so many times in our lives. Imagine a guy gets fired—it's his own fault, too many no-shows. Weeks later, his old boss calls. "We're short-staffed. Want your job back?" No lecture, no probation—just a fresh start. He hangs up, stunned, grinning like a kid. That, to me, is this verse in real life: God delighting in the humble, lifting them when they least deserve it. And let me tell you, that expression, "takes pleasure in", is a really strong one in the Hebrew language in which that was originally written. It speaks of deep pleasure, acceptance and favour, not reluctant tolerance. God's love for you and me is active and joyful. And it's not in our human strength, or status or self-reliance, but in those who walk humbly with Him. So when you're perhaps feeling a bit down on yourself, know this: that heaven's applause is already yours, and He adorns you with His salvation. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.