One of the greatest privileges and sources of unending joy in my life has been being a parent. But in the most recent thirteen years, I have come to know and experience a new level of joy in being a grandparent. There is just something extra special about seeing a grandchild grow and blossom. Watching these precious babies experience life and develop into young versions of their future selves has been and continues to be mesmerizing. Oh, how I delight in watching each of these beloved children! To be a witness to the metamorphosis of my oldest grandchild as she has transformed from a quiet little one into a lively and articulate young person is nothing short of miraculous! Then there’s the compassionate one, my middle grandchild. It may be true that this one finds math a bit challenging, but her tender heart is overflowing with compassion for others. She truly is an inspiration! And then there’s the baby! Every day is a chance to see this little one discover something new—like a smile, a coo for his sweet mommy, or even finding his own hands. Now, let’s not forget the precocious one! This one speaks as if she has the vocabulary of a thirty-year-old, not a thirty-month-old. When asked how dolphins find their food, this squeaky little voice replied, “echolocation”. Recently, this same toddler told me over the phone that her “dinner was scrumptious”! Perhaps it’s just me—I’m so captivated by these kids that I see them as truly amazing, and that’s just how I perceive them. It is true. But I have watched the toddler sing about how “life without Jesus is like a donut”, and when “Jesus fills your life, He satisfies your soul”, and I am utterly delighted by this sweet and spirited little one! As I was reminiscing about this child and the joy that she brings, the Lord whispered to me: “ I delight in you, just as you delight in your grandchildren.” This is a sobering thought, you know, the kind of thought that stops you in your tracks. I know my faults and sins. How could the God of the universe feel that way about me? But Scripture tells us multiple times how God delights in His people.
He Delights in You
(Zephaniah 3:17, NLT) “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.”
(Psalm 149:4, NLT) “For the Lord delights in His people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
(Psalm 18:19, NLT) “He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because he delights in me.”
(Proverbs 3:12, NLT) “For the Lord corrects those He loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom He delights.”
(Psalm 147 :11, NLT) “No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love.”
(Romans 5:8, NLT) “But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
(Ephesians 5:1-2, NLT) “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
His word is clear and true. Beloved, you are loved by the God of the universe, and He takes great delight in you! It isn’t because of what you have done but because of His great mercy and grace. Maybe you feel unworthy of such lavish love. None of us is worthy. But God, in His tender mercy, made a way for us to receive His love. If you have been told that you are unlovable or you believe you are not worthy, let the truth of God’s word wash over you. God delights in you. Just as this smitten grandmother delights over her grandchildren, God is captivated by you! Let that sink deep into your soul and praise Him for His extravagant love!
By Wendi Bangerd
