So yesterday was another proud moment for me as a father as Jude was upgraded from his baby car seat to a bigger one.
Jude's New Car Seat 1
As with all things fatherhood related I always reflect on how my experiences as a father compare with my understanding of God as my Father. While Jude was being buckled into his new seat I was saying things like “Wow my boy. You’re now sitting in a big boys seat. You’re such a big strong boy.” At the same time I was also soaking in every little expression on his face as he had his first experience of the new chair and facing forward for the first time.
Even though Jude had essentially done nothing, I was filled with pride, excitement and joy as I shared the moment with him. It got me thinking on what God must experience whenever I grasp a new truth or experience His provision (whether I’m aware of it or not).
There are a number of instances in the psalms where it says that God delights or takes pleasure in us. I wonder what delight God takes in me while I take delight in my son? I wonder what delight he took in my first experience of shooting a bow and arrow on Saturday? Or when I look at my wife and think about how much I love her? Or as I imagine how awesome my sandwhich for lunch will be. What about as I’m amazed by the process of the broccoli growing in my veggie garden or as I dream about the future.
As I watch Jude explore the world, attempt to climb on things, chase the cats, try say ‘Jasper’ and make all sorts of funny noises; I’m filled with delight. Even as Jude sits in the bath and splashes non stop for 20 minutes I am delighted.
How wonderful it is to be a father. How wonderful it is to know THE FATHER.
Jude's New Car Seat 2
Psalm 22:8
“He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”
Psalm 35:27
May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.”
Psalm 36:8
They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Psalm 37:23
If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm;
Psalm 147:11
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Proverbs 3:12
because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
2 Samuel 22:20
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
Psalm 16:3
As for the saints who are in the land, they are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight.
Psalm 149:4
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
mercadeo
2011/12/13 at 6:42 PM
When faced with the glory of God in the creation and the awesome requirement of God in his Word, the psalmist is suddenly conscious of his own sins. The psalm has begun with all creation, narrowed to those who honor God’s Word, and now narrowed again to David himself — and the reader. What about me? How do I fit in all of this? How about my sins?
Gareth Henry
2011/12/21 at 2:07 PM
Hi Mercadeo,
I’m going to assume you know at least a little about the story of Jesus and my explanation below is only going to cover the most basic part of your question. If anything needs more explaning then please ask.
Simply put, no one is perfect. Everyone commits/ has commited sin in some form or another. The bible goes on to explain to us that all sin seperates us from God. No matter how big or small. Because of this we are all condemned to hell for eternity else God would not be just.
BUT… God loves us, so he makes a way for us not to receive His just penalty. He (in the form of Jesus) takes our place by living a perfect life and then dying on our behalf. This is called atonement. Jesus paid our penalty for us.
Jesus offers his life as payment in our place as a gift to us. If you accept this gift and give your life to Him then the answer to your question is simply that your sins are washed away. You’ve been bought. Your penalty has been paid. You are forgiven and set free. However your life also no longer belongs to you but to God.
If you don’t accept it, then you are left with the eternal consequences.
This exchange between you and Jesus also includes many other things such as a personal relationship with God, healing (physical and emotional), deliverance from bad habits and the ability to overcome our sinful behavior and live free of guilt. It is in this place of freedom that we find true life.