Does the Lord Take Joy in You?
It’s finally Spring! Daffodils herald the season. The grass is turning green and newly plowed fields dot the country side. Buds swell and burst with color as they uncurl and stretch forth into leaves and blossoms.
Robins abound, finches are turning bright yellow, and bird songs fill the air. Not to be outdone, thunderstorms are forecast for later this week. Spring has arrived in Kentucky.
Light, warmth, and color make Spring special, but the heart sings because of the hope and expectancy created by new life and growth.
I wonder if the Lord enjoys nature’s awakening. I think He must.
In the winter, life seems dormant and brown. It seems mundane, with little new, and seemingly no change day after day. When Spring finally arrives, each emerging sign of life is like a gift from God.
I also wonder what the Lord feels when we, His children, experience Spring in our lives.
Sometimes it seems we’re stuck in the doldrums of winter, dormant, with seemingly little change or growth. However, when our faces turn toward the Son, we soak up the warmth of God’s love. Our hearts awaken and we bloom, full of life as we seek His face. As a result, we become a living testimony of the mighty hand of God. Just like Spring.
What pleasure it must bring the Lord when we stir to His love! I can imagine His joy as He watches us soak up His warmth and life until our buds swell, and we burst forth in joy and song.
It’s a bit speculative to guess at what God feels, but we know He desires that we grow close to Him. I believe it grieves Him when we’re distant and brings Him great pleasure when we respond to His love and awaken, showing signs of new life. After all, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice so we could be one with Him. Surely it brings Him pleasure to see us moving toward that oneness that He died for.
Jesus said, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (Jo. 15:9-11).
Our Spring comes when we abide in His love—when we’re focused on Jesus and soak up His warmth. If that leads to His joy, as indicated by the verse, I’d say it brings Him pleasure.
Many people see God as a judge waiting to pounce on them when they do something wrong. While He is our judge, He prefers to relate to us through a foundation of love. He wants to bless us with Spring-like gifts. When we serve and obey in response to His love, He fills us with joy—His joy, in us.
It lifts my heart and gives me joy just to think about it—just like Spring does. I am so undeserving of such pure love, but He loves me anyway, with a love that never fails.
As the Lord’s gift of Spring fills our hearts with joy, may it also stir our love for the One who created Spring. And may we fill His heart with joy in return.
What awakens your heart to God’s love for you?
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