God delights in you

Recently I found myself at the local sprinkler park with my five year old daughter. She was so excited to cool down on a hot summer day, and run in and out of the fountains of water. She was literally shouting for joy, and as I watched her I couldn’t help but be filled with delight for her. That occasion got me thinking about how our heavenly Father views us his children. It says in Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” These words were originally directed to the people of God, under the old covenant. They picture the delight that God has when sinners are restored and reconciled to Him.  He delights in his children. Under the new covenant, this is even more deeply seen, because when we trust in Jesus for salvation, we become his children (John 1:12), adopted into his heavenly family, and as such, he delights in us. We, who have been reconciled to God (2 Cor.5:18) are the object of God’s delight.  Let that sink in. If you know Christ as your Savior, then God delights in you! He really does. You are on his mind. He rejoices over you with singing. He will quiet your restless heart and mind. You are loved and treasured. Believe it. Accept it. Let that encourage you as you go about your day.