Psalm 1 describes the person who doesn’t follow worldly methods and means, but who takes their greatest delight in the Lord.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1-3) 

Great joy, blessings, fruit, and prosperity follow this person. So how do I make the Lord my delight above all else?

Yes, I can quote Bible verses telling me to “praise the Lord,” to “be thankful,” and to “be joyful.” But there are times I just don’t feel like doing these things.

Yet I’m finding as I faithfully choose to spend time in His Word, praise Him despite how I feel, and seek His presence, He meets me right where I am and pulls me ever closer toward Him.

Delighting in God isn’t something I feel, it’s something I do.

Praising and delighting in God goes deeper than hearts swelling with emotion as hands rise upward during a stirring praise song. It dares us to step out of ourselves, and our souls’ emotions. It invites us to leave behind our own well-worn heart paths and reach for something beyond ourselves—the very heart of God. 

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:4) 

This command is also a promise. It confronts us when we’re weary, and calls our thinking to higher ground. As we decide to delight in the Lord, He not only gives us our heart’s desires (puts them there), He becomes our heart’s sweetest yearning and resting place.

Nothing matches the joy of His presence. With every effort we make to draw near to Him, He promises to be there. 

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8a)

He is only a thought, a heart-cry away. In His presence is fullness of joy. When discovered, it becomes our heart’s greatest desire to delight in God each day.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

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